*
banner

Northumberland Festival

Northumberland Festival of Brass to take place this weekend.

 

The Northumberland Brass Band Association has announced details of their Annual Festival of Brass to be held on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April in Newbiggin Leisure Centre.

The festival is once again organized in collaboration with the Wansbeck Music Festival.

Saturday 26th April will see various classes for individuals’ duets and small ensembles and youth brass bands.

Highlight

The highlight of the day adjudicated by Brian Buckley will see the award of the prestigious James Shepherd performance prize. Once again a cash award in the form of a bursary will be awarded to the winner of this class open to any brass instrumentalist under the age of 21 years.

Once again a strong entry of over 50 entrants from all over the north will perform in Newbiggin sports and community centre Wansbeck suite.

The success of last year’s event and its high profile visitors provided significant local interest and we hope bands will continue to support our event over the whole weekendSecretary Tony Griffiths

Open Contest

Sunday 27th Newbiggin will again play host to our open brass band contest. Ten Bands from around the north will perform an own choice test piece again adjudicated by Brain Buckley.

Prizes will be awarded to overall winners and bands placed highest in their respective sections.

Tony Griffiths, Secretary of the Association told 4BR: "The success of last year’s event and its high profile visitors provided significant local interest and we hope bands will continue to support our event over the whole weekend."

Further information

Further information is available from the Association either by e-mail, tonygriffithsnb@yahoo.co.uk or nbbaemail@yahoo.co.uk or by phone 01670 814595

All events take place in Newbiggin sports and Community Centre, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. Saturday's event will commence at 09-30am. Sunday will begin at 12.00 midday. Tickets are available from the venue.

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    


Norwegian Championships

Final musical touches being put in their Bergen place

February 4 • 80 will be putting their own-choice and set-work pieces under final scrutiny ahead of the Norwegian National Championships this weekend.


Jamie Smith

Smith looking forward to Japanese tour

February 4 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band principal cornet Jamie Smith will head to Japan for a performance tour this Easter.


East Midlands

New march and hymn contest to fill gap in East Midlands

February 4 • A brand new event will take on 13th June at the Braybrooke Brewery and Taproom, North Northamptonshire.


gLYN AND hLEN

Busy January enjoyment for Williams duo

February 4 • Glyn and Helen Williams have enjoyed a busy start to 2026.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

February 5 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd