Best Brass Banding Event in the UK

DublinBass

DublinBass

Supporting Member
My wife and I are moving to NW London for a year and I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions for the best brass band events to go to. This would include not only the quality of the performances, but the quality of the party to go along with it. We have already been to Nationals and the Open, as well as the Royal Northern College of Music Brass Festival. All good times :) Any Suggestions what to plan for the coming year?
 
TheMusicMan

TheMusicMan

tMP Founder
Staff member
When are you coming over with your wife BBCbariUSA, if you can make it we are having a tMP event at what's called the Whit Friday marches. Great fun will be had by all and there's sure to be a huge party following this... and you'll get to meet plenty of tMP'ers as well. :lol:
 
DublinBass

DublinBass

Supporting Member
We're coming around in August but will plan on Whit Friday 2005!!

Tameside or Saddleworth?

Also, what is the atmosphere like at these entertainment contests? I've never been to one.
 
little_miss_marcroft

little_miss_marcroft

Member
Saddleworth most definitely!!! HAS to be!!! Much better atmosphere!

Entertainment contests.... I think they're great!! They're loads of fun! And have a really good atmosphere in general.

Some good contests in the UK.... there are so many to chose from! I wouldn't recomend pontins unless you plan on staying the whole weekend and can hack some heavy drinking!!!! :guiness Spennymoore is a good entertainment contest which has been mentioned. A personal favourite of mine is Hardraw Scar - providing the weather is good, it can be a really nice day out!!
 
W

WhatSharp?

Active Member
If your looking for a band to play with, we're just North of Heathrow very friendly, plug plug, and we do the Whits (at least we are this year anyway!).

plug plug... (sorry mods) :D
 
PeterBale

PeterBale

Moderator
Staff member
Although I've never managed to get along myself, I understand the Pershore Festival of Brass is worth attending - not a competition, but various bands in a number of venues during the day. Not sure of the date, though.
 
Well Worth It

Well Worth It

Active Member
PONTINS for ever.
Not so much for the quality of performance, as this is understandably affected by the quality of the party, which is far superior to any other event in the banding/world calendar.
Give me Pontins over Glastonbury ANY day.
 
jambo

jambo

Member
Well Worth It said:
PONTINS for ever.
Not so much for the quality of performance, as this is understandably affected by the quality of the party, which is far superior to any other event in the banding/world calendar.
Give me Pontins over Glastonbury ANY day.
Click to expand...

After last years contest i'd have to say get yourself to Butlins (Mineworkers) contest. For me it was better than Pontins last year, same crack just better place.
Cambridge is also a class day but, not sure its the same now that the Red Cow has changed to some poncey wine bar type thing.
 
geordiecolin

geordiecolin

Active Member
For a good laugh I would recommend either Pontins or the Mineworker's at Butlins, both events were great year both from a playing and partying point of view. Butlins also has alternative entertainment for those who don't have the desire to get absolutely paralytic, not that I used it......

For a great day out, Whit Friday as already mentioned, or for a deeper insight into the politics/history of brass bands, Durham Miner's Gala in July is always a good experience and while all the (ex) miners have their rally on the field, virtually every bands(wo)man in the North East of England can be found in/outside one pub! 8)
 
WorldofBrass.com

WorldofBrass.com

Active Member
Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival on the Thursday evening and all day Friday prior to the National Championships.
2004 dates are 14th & 15th October.

Brass in the Park, Newtongrange, Scotland on 27th - 29th August 2004.
 
Kerwintootle

Kerwintootle

Member
I would have to echo World of Brass and say the Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival and the Nationals. Great atmosphere, hall, bands etc.
 
S

snapey

New Member
Pershore is a great day out. Bands from all sections playing all day in various venues across the town. Its on 3rd July this year (a bit late for you).
 
drummerboy

drummerboy

Member
snapey said:
Pershore is a great day out. Bands from all sections playing all day in various venues across the town. Its on 3rd July this year (a bit late for you).
Click to expand...

But there's always next year, and it is a great day out. You're right Peter, its not a contest, simply bands playing at varying venues (usually a marquee and the local Abbey :D )

Good to see you on here Snapey :D Hows things at Stourport?
 
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