*
banner

Brass in Concert — the numbers game

It's all about numbers at Brass in Concert on the weekend — from zero to 12,000 plus...

Sage
 

It's all about numbers at any brass band contest, and Brass in Concert is no exception.

These are some that have featured over the years....

0 – The number of non English bands that have won the contest since its inception in 1977.

1 – The numbers of times Fred Partlett (1977), David James (1986), Alan Exley (1995) and James Gourlay (1996) were winning conductors.

2 – The number of times a tenor horn player has been the winning soloist.

12150 — The difference in prize money won between Grimethorpe Colliery (£12,350) and Reg Vardy (£200) in prize money so far this year4BR

3 — The number of different venues the contest has been held at.

5 – The number of competing bands (Grimethorpe, Fodens, Desford, Cory, Brighouse & Rastrick) that if results go their way could end up as leading prize money winners of the 2008 season.

7 – The number of times Alan Morrison won the ‘Best Principal Cornet’ Award.

8 – The number of times Richard Evans has conducted a winning band at the contest.

12 – The number of bands that have competed since 1977 and no longer exist.

14 – The most number of bands that took part in the contest – 1979.

32 – The number of times Brass in Concert has been held.

49 – Number of bands who have competed since 1977 (some under different names)

60 – The number of entertainment marks available to be won from the two entertainment judges.

157.30 – The difference in ranking points between Fodens (ranked 1) and Cory (ranked 3) going into this contest. Any one of Fodens, Grimethorpe or Cory could end the end as the number 1 ranked band in the world depending on results here at the weekend.

200 – The maximum number of marks for actual playing.

215 – Lowest points awarded to a competing band at the contest – Strabane Concert in 1982.

236 – Highest points awarded to a band finishing last at the contest – Mount Charles in 2004.

246 – Lowest points awarded to a winning band (out of a maximum of 260) – Grimethorpe in 1994.

258 – Highest points awarded to a winning band (out of a maximum of 260) – Grimethorpe in 2001.

1158.15 – The number of 4BR/World of Brass ranking points of the current number 1 ranked band in the world – Fodens, going into Brass in Concert.

4000 – The amount in pounds of the top prize this year.

10600 – The amount of prize money paid out last year.

12150 – The difference in prize money won between Grimethorpe Colliery (£12,350) and Reg Vardy (£200) in prize money so far this year.

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    


Felling Band

Report & Result: 2026 DCBBA Picnic in the Park

May 19 • Felling provides the perfect picnic entertainment in Durham.


Brass in Concert

New adjudication system being considered for Brass in Concert

May 17 • Adjudication rankings of equal value to be considered in potential revamp of judging at the Brass in Concert Championships later this year.


winter and Storheim

Norwegian brass band talent spotlighted for Maestro direction

May 17 • Eline Storheim and Samuel Winter have been chosen to be part of a two year conducting course.


wobplay

New releases set for Wobplay

May 17 • New CD releases from Black Dyke Band, Birmingham Citadel and Bone-afide alongside the Elgar International Festival will soon be able to be enjoyed on the digital platform.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


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


Cambrian Brass

May 16 • We're always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining a friendly and supportive band, whether you're returning to banding or looking for a new challenge.


Delph Band

May 15 • We are seeking an enthusiastic and musically skilled Associate Conductor to lead and develop our band alongside our current Musical Director Phil Goodwin. . Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Tintwistle Band

May 15 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled!. We rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle, under the baton of our superb MD, Jim Henson.


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd