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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

The RNCM International Brass Band Festival is one of the best events in the brass banding calendar. Showcasing the best music the brass band community has to offer played by some of the best brass bands out there and a chance to watch the future of brass banding make their mark - it's honestly a highlight of my year.

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.

To have watched Athena Brass Band, America’s first all-female brass band, as a youngster would have blown my mind.

Foden’s Band’s performance featured one world premiere, a UK premiere, a forgotten classic and a legendary masterpiece.

A look back on 2024 and all the brass band highlights that shaped it.

Here’s all the major key dates for 2025’s biggest brass band events. 

Details on tickets and programmes for 2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival.