*
banner

Pontins announce test pieces

The test pieces for the 2009 Pontins Championships have been announced — with more Vinter to enjoy!

Pontins
 

The Pontin’s Brass Band Festival organisers have announced the test pieces for this year's contests that will take place on the weekend of Friday 23rd October.

36th anniversary

This year the contest will celebrate its 36th anniversary with a set of testing and enjopyable set works chosen by James Scott.

Meanwhile, residents have been promised a great weekend of entertainment, featuring the British Army Band, the Bavarian Stompers and others.

Incentives

Incentives to bands include, no entry fee increase for third year, consistency with the prize fund for all sections, affordable weekend accommodation package with FREE Sunday night and discount for groups of 8 or more apartments booked.

There is free electricity cards for Classic & Budget apartments booked early, 30 p./mile travel allowance to all resident bands regardless of travel method, refund of half Entry Fee to resident bands or 160 Pontins pounds for use in venues, and free admission to non resident bands to the Holiday Park and venues.

The top prize in the Championship Section is £2,500 and there is £1,800 up for grabs in the other sections to the winners, with plenty more besides.

This year the contest will celebrate its 36th anniversary with a set of testing and enjopyable set works chosen by James Scott4BR

Test Pieces:

The Harry and Margaret Mortimer Championship:
Sunday 25th October

Test piece: Montage — Peter Graham
Publisher: Winwood Music


First Section:
Saturday 24th October

Test piece: Symphony of Marches — Gilbert Vinter
Publisher: Studio Music


Second Section:
Sunday 25th October
Test Piece: Danceries — Kenneth Hesketh
Publisher: Faber Music


Third Section:
Saturday 24th October

Test Piece: Gallimaufry Suite — Philip Harper
Publisher: Wright & Round


Fourth Section:
Saturday 24th October

Test Piece: A Bournemouth Suite — Benjamin Tubb
Publisher: Jagrins Music

Priority

As in previous years all the bands who entered in 2008 and those on the waiting lists will receive entry forms and priority accommodation booking forms.

Bands should receive these by the end of February and will be given priority to enter and chose accommodation until the beginning of April.

Entry Forms and accommodation booking forms will also be made available to download from the Pontin’s Website: www.pontins-prestatynsands.com

Suggestions

The Pontin’s Brass Band Committee always invite suggestions for improvements to the Festival, from anyone with the Brass Band movement interest at heart.

As a result of these communications, changes such as borrowed players, registry information system, pre-draw and variation on the grading system have all been adopted in order to enhance the Festival.

The Contest Rules are published on both the Pontin’s and British Brass Band Registry Websites: www.pontins-prestatynsands.com and www.bbbr.co.uk

Any further constructive suggestions are welcome and will always be considered and we would encourage anyone to contact the Contest Controllers Frank Hodges, or Colin Morrison.

Further information:

For further information please contact either of the Festival Contest Controllers:

Mr Colin Morrison , 22 Rushdon Close , Grays , Essex, RM17 5QW.
Telephone/Fax Number: (01375) 409807,
E-mail: cm006c6149@blueyonder.co.uk

or
Mr Frank Hodges, 39 Broxton Avenue, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 8NP
Telephone: 01942 703217
Mobile: 07930 562 768
E-mail: frankhodges@bbbr.co.uk

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    


Trivergence

Trivergence set for Albert Hall appearance

August 8 • Trombone stars Peter Moore, Mark Nightingale and Andy Wood plus friends will provide the pre-results entertainment at the Royal Albert Hall National Final in October.


IBBSS

Barringer delight at IBBSS success

August 8 • A week of hard work, great music making and friendship in Swansea was a fitting celebration of the leading course's ethos.


Mark Vause

Vause takes baton at Pilling Silver

August 8 • Mark Vause is the new MD of Pilling Silver Band as he returns to the North West.


Smith

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

August 8 • The duo discuss the benefits of an infusion of classical music in the banding veins in rehearsals and concerts.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd