75th SWBBA Championships
The 75th annual South West Brass Band Association (SWBBA) Championships will take place at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay on Saturday 4th November. Originating after the Second World War the championships provide an invaluable competition environment, helping to enhance contesting standards for bands at all levels.
Commenting on the 2023 event, John Woods, Vice Chairman of SWBBA stated, “We're delighted to welcome everyone to Torquay once again and especially as this is a milestone occasion. It is a wonderful achievement and one to celebrate in keeping the brass band contesting tradition alive and vibrant. There will be so much to enjoy. This is seen with a highly encouraging entry of 11 bands in the Open Section, and with a total entry of 25 bands we are also looking forward to a wide range of music in the six sections. This includes the wonderful Youth and Training Band Sections which form the crucial foundation on which we hope another 75 years of contests can be built.”
The adjudicators for the event will be Sam Fisher for the Fourth, Third and Open Sections, with composer Christopher Bond judging the Training, Youth and Second Section. SWBBA President Leonard Adams will present the prizes with several band traders also supporting the event. General tickets will be available on contest day (cash or card) and refreshment and trade stands available all day in the Arena. Doors open at 9.00am with the first scheduled performance in the Fourth Section commencing at 9.30am.
It was also announced that a 'Cornet & Flugel' workshop will be held on Saturday 25th November (10.00am to 5.00pm) at St Francis Church Hall, Sidmouth, led by Black Dyke Band’s Principal Cornet, Richard Marshall. A 'Winter Workshop' will also be held at West Buckland in February featuring the Foden's Band trio of Mark Wilkinson, Gary Curtin and Michael Fowles. Application details will be released soon for 10th & 11th February 2024 at West Buckland School North Devon.
Competing Bands
Open Section:
Chalford Band
City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1
Glastonbury Brass
Helston Town
Lanner & District Silver
Roche Brass
Sherborne Town
Sidmouth Town
South West Comms
Wootton-under-Edge & District
St Austell Town
Second Section:
Porthleven Town
South Molton Town
Third Section:
Bideford Town
Exeter Railway
Porthleven Town
Saltash Town
South Molton Town
Fourth Section:
Bay Brass
Indian Queens
Saltash Town
Weymouth Concert Brass
Youth Section:
St Austell Youth Band
Training Section:
Porthleven Town Training
Plymouth Soundhouse Training
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