*
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    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

June 28 • Midlands Championship section band seeks: 2 x cornet (positions negotiable), 1 x Eb bass, and percussionists.. . Enderby are a sociable, hardworking band with a balanced diary of concerts, contests, and social events.


Hook Norton Brass Band

June 28 • HNBB, based near Banbury in Oxfordshire, is seeking a new Musical Director to lead our friendly and ambitious band. With a varied calendar of engagements and supportive committee, our thriving community band would love to hear from you.


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd