*
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    


BrassLT

Report & Result: 2026 Lithuanian Wind Orchestra Championship

April 21 • LT Brass warms up for Linz with domestic honours at wind festival championship.


bbc pROMS

Black Dyke Band to perform at BBC Proms

April 21 • The Queensbury band to be joined by guest soloist David Childs for a 'Brass Prom' performance showcasing their virtuosity and versatility.


John Wallace CBE

Wallace to be remembered as a Force of Nature

April 21 • Tullis Russell Band will pay a lasting tribute to the late great John Wallace CBE with the commissioning of a brand new work from the pen of Paul Lovatt-Cooper.


gbba

Full day of brass band entertainment on offer in Lydney

April 21 • The popular GBBA Festival of Brass returns with a packed day of brass band entertainment in heart of the Forest of Dean.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Longridge Band

April 21 • Longridge Band (North West, First Section) invite applications for the position of PRINCIPAL CORNET. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Waterbeach Brass

April 16 • Waterbeach Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming and social environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd