Countdown is on to Unibrass 2026
- Liv Appleton
- 38 minutes ago
- 2 min read
What to Expect from Unibrass 2026
With just a few days to go until Unibrass 2026, here is a summary of what to expect from Saturday's event.
Twenty-two University Bands Ready to Compete
The annual inter-university entertainment contest thoughout the day will feature 22 university brass band ensembles, including Newcastle, who are making their debut. The performances will start from around 10:30am with two sections taking place at the same time. Audience members get access to both the Trophy and Shield sections with their tickets.
The UniBrass Trophy section will be adjudicated by Paul Holland and Tracey Redfern, whilst the Shield Section will be adjudicated by Lauren Chinn and Chris Thomas.
The bands are not only competing to be section champions - there are many prizes up for grabs from Best Percussion Section and Best Solo or Feature to Best Student Composition or Arrangement and Best Student Conductor.
Feedback from Brass Band Conductors' Association
The Brass Band Conductors' Association will also be watching the contest again this year and providing feedback sessions to the conductors who have asked for this opportunity. The UniBrass organisation is pleased to have the association in attendance to support the next generation of brass band conductors to improve their skills and confidence.
Louis Dowdeswell to Headline UniBrass Gala Concert
Unibrass will be presenting a one-of-a-kind Gala Concert to close out the day, headlined by world-famous trumpeter Louis Dowdeswell, alongside the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1 Brass Band, in an exciting evening of music, including live band, 'Rock the Mike' with Unibrass alumnus, Alex Walton on kit!
This unique concert will blend together brass band classics, live pop music and astounding trumpet solos! Attendees can expect pieces ranging from Paul Lovatt-Cooper's When Thunder Calls and classic pop crowdpleasers, like Mr Brightside and showstoppers, such as Into the Unknown!
It's Not to Late to Get Your Tickets
Not got your ticket yet? Get them here.
Can't make the event in person? The contest is being live-streamed and tickets area available here.
Best of luck to all of the competing bands and best wishes to the organisers for what is sure to be one heck of a weekend of music-making!
Support It's Not a Trumpet
If you've enjoyed this post, please consider supporting It's Not a Trumpet. Your donation helps to keep the site free to access, funds our features, event coverage and will go towards creating opportunities for the banding community in the future!
If you'd like to help support the blog - please donate via the button below. Every penny goes back into the blog and creating new future opportunities to progress brass banding.
