Brass in Concert Line-up and Details Announced

The much-loved Brass in Concert Championships are back for 2025 – and they’re bringing another top-tier line-up to The Glasshouse International Centre for Music (formerly Sage Gateshead) on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November.

Now in its 48th year, the event remains one of the most anticipated weekends in the brass band calendar, showcasing elite-level entertainment and musicianship from bands across the UK and Europe.

Championship Saturday: Eleven Bands, One Stage

Saturday’s main event will see eleven heavyweight bands take to the Sage One stage, each delivering a unique programme designed to wow the audience – and the judges

Reigning champions Cory will be back to defend their title, joined by returning favourites and international contenders including Kleppe Musikklag from Norway and Schoonhoven from the Netherlands. This year also sees KNDS Fairey rejoin the line-up, adding to an already fierce contest.

The full Championship line-up is:

• Aldbourne

• Brighouse and Rastrick

• Carlton Main Frickley Colliery

• the cooperation band

• Cory

• Foden's

• Flowers

• GUS Band

• Kleppe Musikklag (Norway)

• KNDS Fairey

• Schoonhoven (Netherlands)

The inimitable Frank Renton returns as compère, ready to guide the audience through the day.

Sunday Spotlight: The Future of Banding

On Sunday 16 November, the spotlight turns to the stars of tomorrow with the return of Youth Brass in Concert. Seven outstanding youth ensembles will perform, each showcasing the passion, energy, and potential that keeps banding alive and thriving.

This year’s youth line-up includes a mix of returning names and a debut appearance from the Shepherd Group Youth Band:

• Elland Youth Band

• Houghton Area Youth Brass Band

• Lancashire Youth Brass Band

• Lions Youth Band

• Shepherd Group Youth Band

• Wardle Academy Youth Brass Band

• Youth Brass 2000

A Unique Mix of Legends and Fresh Faces

Nigel Stevens, CEO of Brass in Concert, said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the calibre of bands competing this year. It’s especially exciting to welcome new and returning faces into the Championship – Kleppe Musikklag, KNDS Fairey and Schoonhoven – alongside Shepherd Group making their Youth Championship debut. That blend of fresh faces and established names is what keeps Brass in Concert unique.

There’s nothing like being in the room and experiencing it live - you’ll want to be there to soak up the atmosphere and see these incredible performances first-hand, plus to show your support for the next generation of brass banding talent - they’ll amaze you with their energy, creativity, and skill.We’re also delighted to return to The Glasshouse, and continue our close partnerships with World of Brass, Yamaha and Banks Group to make it all happen.”

Win Your Way In

Fancy winning free tickets? Brass in Concert is offering a pair of tickets to one lucky fan who correctly guesses which bands will be drawn to perform first at both the Championship and the Youth event. Entries close at 5pm on Friday 9 May, ahead of the draw at the European Brass Band Festival in Stavanger – which will be livestreamed via World of Brass.

Don’t Miss Out

Tickets go on sale at noon on Friday 11 July through The Glasshouse website. Prices for the Saturday Championship are £42.50 or £33 (plus booking fee), while Youth Brass in Concert tickets are £13 for adults, £5 for U18s, and free for under 5s.

Last year’s event sold out – so if you’re planning to be there, don’t hang about.