*
banner

Mount Charles enjoy victory

Mount Charles are enjoying the feeling of victory after their third win in five years in Torquay.

Mount Charles
 

The Mount Charles Band has told 4BR of their delight to have once again have won the West of England title, their third victory in the last five years at Torquay.

After a period of reflection after the 2007 National Finals, and considerable hard work since, the band now feel that they are back on track to achieve their ambitions.

Collective way forward

Chairman Derek Thomas told 4BR: "The band had some decision to make towards the end of last year, and it did seem that things weren’t going our way, but we’ve stuck together and agreed a collective way forward, which we are now striving to achieve."

Derek said that winning the West of England Championship after a period of rebuilding was a proud achievement for the band.

The band itself have been working extremely hard individually and collectively alongside Andy Duncan who has continued to encourage and support the band and its ambitionsChairman Derek Thomas

Working hard

He added: "The band itself have been working extremely hard individually and collectively alongside Andy Duncan who has continued to encourage and support the band and its ambitions."

The band would also like to publicly acknowledge the sterling work that Frances Calver, Brian Elliott and their teams put into making the weekend the success it clearly is.

Thanks

Derek commented: "We’d like to thank all the players from the other bands who congratulated us, and the numerous members from the audience who also offered their congratulations. It certainly means a lot to us."

For now though the band have a busy calender over the next 3 months including a 'Listen to the Band' broadcast, a recording session for BBC TV 'Songs of Praise' and their preparations for 'Vienna Nights' at the Grand Shield.

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    


Youth Brass 2000

Results: 2026 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 29 • There were competitive titles for Youth Brass 2000, St Austell Youth and Elland Silver as well as plenty of great non-competitive performances to enjoy in Birmingham.


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


Adams

Trombone stars add to Adams artist line-up

March 28 • Tom Challinor and Jonathan Pippen have become Adams Artists.


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

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


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

March 29 • Bb AND Eb BASSES WANTED!. We are a friendly 1st section band based in Nottingham - rehearsal Thursday Evening. We have an exciting year planned with a visit to Whit Friday and a place secured at the nationals following our success at the midlands area!


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd