Black Dyke Band Return to the BBC Proms in 2026

Black Dyke Band Set to Perform at the 2026 BBC Proms

The Black Dyke Band will make its return to the BBC Proms on Sunday 19th July 2026 at the Royal Albert Hall for the first time in almost 20 years. This is an incredible opportunity that not only puts the outstanding talent of the Queensbury-based band front and centre on a global stage, but showcases the capabilities of modern brass band repertoire to a wider audience. 

A World-Class Representative of the Brass Band World

Britain has been a musical powerhouse for centuries, from opera to BritPop. Yet brass banding has long been the unsung hero in our country’s soundtrack. Despite this, the banding movement has and continues to work hard to push its way through into the mainstream spotlight. So, it’s fantastic to the BBC showcasing one of our leading ensembles alongside the world’s top orchestras and acclaimed British artists at the BBC Proms. 

The Black Dyke Band has earned its reputation as the most successful band in history, with both Oscar and Grammy nominations, collaborations with The Beatles and Elton John, and performances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, as well more championship titles to their name than any other ensemble,

This isn’t the first time the Black Dyke Band has represented brass bands at the proms. They have previously performed alongside the Grimethorpe Colliery Band at the event in 1974, 1975 and 1981,before returning to the Proms in 2007. In the wider musical sphere, the band have frequently flown the flag for the movement with world-class performances including, TV cameos and festivals. 

A Showcase of the Best of Brass 

The concert will feature a programme that demonstrates the full spectrum of brass band writing from classic major works to contemporary arrangements, as well as a showstopping solo performance by euphonium virtuoso, David Childs. 

Black Dyke BBC Proms Programme:

Date: Sunday 19th July

Time: 11:00am

• Four Minute Mile - Judith Bingham

• Overture ‘Le Carnaval Romain’ - Berlioz arr. Frank Wright

• A Moorside Suite - Gustav Holst

• Force of Nature - Peter Graham, performed by David Childs

• Symphony in Two Movements - Edward Gregson

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone | Hedwig’s Theme - John Williams arr. Andrew Duncan

• Concierto De Aranjuez -  Rodrigo, arr. Kevin Bolton

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest - Wheel of Fortune - Hans Zimmer arr. Stephen Roberts

• Paganini Variations - Philip Wilby

Everything That Makes Brass Bands Truly Special

Speaking to It’s Not a Trumpet about the band’s return to the BBC Proms, Black Dyke’s Director of Music, Prof. Nicholas Childs said: 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the Black Dyke Band to showcase everything that makes brass bands truly special. On a personal level, I’m thrilled to conduct at the world’s greatest music festival and to share the stage with such an outstanding soloist. It promises to be a memorable and inspiring occasion.”

For more information about the band’s appearance in the BBC Proms and other the acts featured in the programme, visit the BBC Proms page.

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