*
banner

Brighouse Festival

Everything is just about in place for the forthcoming Brighouse Festival of Brass

 

The organisers of the Brighouse Festival, which is creeping up on us now, have just released further details of the forthcoming event.

Full line up

The full list of 26 bands for the Sunday contest includes James Madison University Band from America, whilst the adjudicators are David Read, Steve Pritchard-Jones, Dennis Wilby, Frank Renton and Pascal Eicher from Switzerland.

Support

Yamaha have donated a "Xeno" Cornet for the Best Principal Cornetist and support for the Youth Section has been given by The Association of Band Traders in cash awards for each competing band.

Also, there is a new trophy and replica for the youngest player taking part, which has been donated by Rachel and Leigh Baker in memory of Susan Elsworth, the inspirational leader of the Gawthorpe Bands,who sadly passed away last year4BR

Memory

Also, there is a new trophy and replica for the youngest player taking part, which has been donated by Rachel and Leigh Baker in memory of Susan Elsworth, the inspirational leader of the Gawthorpe Bands,who sadly passed away last year.

Good support comes too from the band movement including Band Supplies (Leeds), Kirklees Music, Antoine Courtois, Yamaha and ABT, whilst local businesses and Calderdale Council give full support to this weekend of brass at its best.

Timetable:
Friday:
The James Shepherd Versatile Brass Reunion Concert

Saturday: The James Madison University Band with The Yorkshire Co-op Band

Sunday: 26 bands in the Town Hall Square from 1pm (March & Hymn Tune competition)

Hopefully the weekend will be live streamed by Music Page.

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    


Special Award

2025 4BR Special Award: Richard Marshall

December 25 • One of the finest cornet players of this or any other brass band generation is the recipient of the 4BR Special Award.


Band of the Year

2025 4BR Band of the Year

December 25 • One band once again stamped its class and authority on the banding world this year — with the promise of even more to come in 2026.


Conductor

2025 4BR Conductor of the Year

December 25 • One conductor stood out on the podium from their counterparts this year.


Player

2025 4BR Player of the Year

December 25 • So much individual talent shone in the banding world in 2025 — but one player was the shining star of them all.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd