*
banner

Guildford in danger

Ludicrous rental increase forces Friary Guildford to move out.

Friary
 

The town of Guildford may be in danger of losing part of its heritage following the news that rehearsal facility rental charges for the town's brass band are set to rise by almost 350%.

Forced out

Friary Guildford Brass will be forced to move out of their rehearsal venue unless they can find an extra £3,000 a year to cover elevated rehearsal costs following the move by Surrey County Council.

The band, which receives the majority of its funding through player-member subscriptions, has been forced to start looking for new accommodation in a stance to protect its future.

Friary Guildford Brass will be forced to move out of their rehearsal venue unless they can find an extra £3,000 a year to cover elevated rehearsal costs4BR

Rental costs

However, with rental costs for suitable premises in Guildford at an all time high and with little in the way of grants or subsidies for non-profit making organisations, the band has been forced to widen their search to include facilities outside of the town.

Guildford is a town that is proud to have had its own brass band for most of the last century.

Chairman Mark Yarham stated: "The band is currently holding discussions with Surrey County Council and Guildford Borough Council as well as seeking help from local residents and business to ensure that one of the south's premier brass bands can continue to thrive in Guildford."

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    


Schoonhoven

Results: 2025 Dutch Open

June 16
Brass Band Schoonhoven claim the Championship title in Groningen as 1st Old Boys and Brass Band Schoonhoven B secure division wins.


Tameside

Results: 2025 Tameside Whit Friday

June 14 • Foden's led by Michael Fowles maintain their grip on the Tameside Whit Friday honours as the official results are confirmed.


whit Friday

Results: 2025 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

June 14 • Garry Cutt and Brighouse & Rastrick claim the Whit Friday honours in Saddleworth.


Whit Friday

Tameside ready for Whit Friday contest day

June 13 • Tameside is ready to welcome the bands and supporters at each of its 11 venues this year.


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 21 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Mereside Brass

June 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

June 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials. Players of all ages & sections are welcome to visit or join us


Epping Forest Band

June 16 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd