THE BRASS BAND
BLOG

Highlights from the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival Once again, David Thornton and the RNCM team created an incredible showcase of the best our musical movement has to offer. Over the course of the weekend, we were treated to outstanding performances from some of the world’s top bands, innovative musical premieres, impressive introductions to the brass band superstars of tomorrow and the legendary music of the festival’s celebrated composer and one of this author’

Brighouse and Rastrick Band Close the RNCM Brass Band Festival with a Bang The last band to take to the stage at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival was the Brighouse and Rastrick Band, who closed the show with a bang with an outstanding programme showcasing outstanding soloists, innovative compositions and a performance of the set work for the 2026 British Open. B of the Bang by Peter Meechan The inspiration behind this explosive piece comes from the Olympian, Linford

The Cory Band and Musical Director, Philip Harper, offered an adventurous programme that took the audience on a journey of epic proportions.

A 20th Anniversary Celebration: Yorkshire Youth Brass Band at the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival To celebrate 20 years of the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band, the ensemble of talented young musicians led by their MD and former Principal Cornet of the Black Dyke Band, Richard Marshall, treated the audience to a programme of exciting works that were fitting of such an occasion. Concert Prelude by Philip Sparke The Yorkshire Youth Brass Band started their 20th Anniversar

An Explorative Musical Journey: RNCM Brass Band at the 2026 International Brass Band Festival Under the direction from MD, Katrina Marzella-Wheeler, the RNCM Brass Band offered a programme filled with classic pieces and imaginative, contemporary writing that presented interesting concepts and musical fusions. A London Overture by Philip Sparke The band kicked off their concert with a classic work from Philip Sparke - A London Overture, which was written in 1984 for the Dutch

With Professor Nicholas Childs at the helm, Black Dyke pulled out all of the stops to deliver an history-making performance at the 2026 RNCM Brass Band Festival.

Under the musical guidance of their MD, Mark Bousie, the RNCM Junior Band put on a spectacular show with a programme featuring classic repertoire and fun contemporary works.

Stars and Sparks: Tredegar Band at the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival Tredegar's RNCM International Brass Band Festival featured showstopping new works, a virtuosic concerto and an absolute classic from the pen of the festivals featured composer, Philip Sparke. A Spark Forgotten by Tamsin Crook An exciting, driven work composed by a Tamsin Crook, a 17 year old, talented cornet player from Penrith. A great timpani feature followed, before an impressive solo offer

Under the baton of Musical Director, Stig Mærsk, Concord Brass Band offered an exciting programme featuring a standout trombone solo and emotive feature for brass band and organ.

Fanfare of Bells by Hermann Pallhuber Originally written in 2012 for the 3BA Band in Germany, this work was (in the words of the composer was written as a ‘Tribute to the wonderful sound of brass instruments, that blend together to create the most subtle sonorities: bells as a symbol of the beauty of the instruments’. Fitting that this work was chosen to open the weekend’s event with it’s joyous, celebratory nature. It’s an exciting concert opener with it’s determined, syncop

Banders Bingo has been on my radar for a while now, since I came across one of their videos on TikTok. The high-energy, fun-filled event shows brass banding in a completely different and wildly entertaining light. I was excited to finally see what the event was all about when I went down to their recent show at Boarshurst Band Club. 

From creative staging to unique storylines and, of course, outstanding music - there was so much to commend from the programmes presented during the event. I’m glad I wasn’t adjudicating! 

Inside the Score of the 2025 British Open Set Work Stephen Roberts’ latest work, Star Crossed Lovers will make its world premiere at...

Led by the ever-charismatic Mark Peacock, the audience were treated to a fantastically curated programme of brass band classics, modern works and outstanding solo contributions.

As far as finales go, you couldn't get much better than Brighouse and Rastrick's performance, led by guest conductor David Bremner.

The Cory Band’s performance at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival showcased their powerhouse sound and versatility.

The RNCM Brass Band opened up the last day of the RNCM International Brass Band Festival in style with an exciting programme.

Black Dyke Band’s performance at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival was a journey of epic proportions.

Under the baton of Ian Porthouse, Tredegar Band’s offering to the 2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival was a feast of larger works.

The RNCM International Brass Band Festival offered the opportunity to watch the bright young stars.