*
banner

Great Northern bands announced

Philip Biggs has announced the bands that will participate at this year's Great Northern Brass Arts Festival in September.

bridgewater hall
 

The details of the bands that will appear at this year's Great Northern Brass Arts Festival at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Saturday 6th September have been announced.

Wingates return

Following their debut appearance at the festival in 2006, the Wingates Band will make a welcome return and they will be on stage at 12 noon.

Childrens debut

In what is anticipated to be one of the highlights of the day, the concert at 2.15pm will be given by the National Childrens Band of Great Britain. Since it's formation, the NCBGB has made a huge impression on anyone who has seen them at their concerts at the end of their summer courses and their appearance in Manchester is one not to be missed.

Following the NCBGB's appearance, the now traditional appearance of over 100 players from Wardle Juniors, Healey and Smithy Bridge and St James Primary School Bands will take place.

At 4.15pm, the Fairey Band, who have been regular attendees at the Festival will make an appearance.

Big three for Gala

The traditional Gala Concert at 7.15pm will once again showcase three of the best bands in the busines: Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick and the Fodens (Richardson) Band.

Soloists and programmes to be announced

A key ingredient of the day is the featured soloists that will appear will the respective bands during the day. Details of the soloists that will perform with the bands and the music to be played by all the participants will be anmnounced at a later date.

Festival line up

Once again the festival will be supported by Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd, Besson Musical Instruments, Buffet Crampon and Yamaha Kemble Music (UK).

The line up of bands to appear is:

12 Noon: Wingates Band

2.15pm: National Childrens Band of Great Britain followed by Wardle Juniors, Healey and Smithy Bridge and St James Primary School Bands

4.15pm: Fairey Band

7.15pm: The Gala Concert featuring, Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick and Fodens (Richardson Bands).

Tickets available

Tickets for each individual concert are available in addition to an all inclusive daytime ticket or an all daytime and Gala Concert ticket from the Bridgewater Hall Box office — 0161 907 9000 or email box@bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


Saddleworth

Report & Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

May 31 • The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Cambrian Brass

June 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


East London Brass

June 1 • Solo Cornet : fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd