NYBBGB and Victoria Wood Foundation Announce Partnership for 2026 Season

National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Announce New Partnership with Victoria Wood Foundation

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) has revealed a major new partnership with The Victoria Wood Foundation for its 2026 season. This new collaboration combines musical innovation, education and the enduring spirit of one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers. 

Celebrating Victoria Wood’s Legacy

As 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Victoria Wood’s passing, this new partnership will honour her deep-rooted connection with brass band music. A trumpet player herself, Victoria’s affection for the brass band community was represented in her work, including 

• Sketches in Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV,

• The Black Dyke Band featuring in the Dinnerladies 1999 Christmas episode, which featured Robert and Nicholas Childs

• A Brassed Off parody featured in her 2000 festive special, Victoria Wood with All the Trimmings

Speaking on the new partnership, Catherine Edis, Trust Administrator for The Victoria Wood Foundation, said:

“When we attended The NYBBGB’s Summer Stage performance in 2024 at St Martin-in-the-Fields, we were struck by the talent, passion and mission of this extraordinary youth organisation. Victoria herself loved brass band music, and we are delighted to support projects that celebrate her legacy while empowering the next generation of musicians.”

A New Brass Band Commission from Andrea Price

At the heart of this partnership is a brand new musical commission inspired by Victoria Wood’s unmistakable wit, warmth and musical flair. The work will be composed by Andrea Price, who is known for her imaginative and expressive writing. The piece will weave in motifs from Victoria’s most-loved songs and sketches, balancing playful, nostalgic energy with heartfelt, lyrical moments concluding with a powerful finale. Themes of friendship and human connection, two traits which feature heavily in Wood’s work, will be explored throughout the composition. 

Speaking about the commission, Andrea said:

“It’s an enormous privilege to be entrusted with this commission. Victoria Wood’s music and humour were so full of heart and humanity, and I hope to honour that spirit in this new work. Writing for The NYBBGB is always inspiring – their energy, talent and commitment are second to none – and I’m thrilled to be creating something that celebrates such an iconic artist while supporting the next generation of young musicians.”

The new work will be premiered at the NYBBGB Youth Band’s Easter concerts on Saturday 11th April 2026 at the Garden Rooms at Tennants in Leyburn and on Saturday 18th April 2026 at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Breaking Down Barriers for Young Musicians

Alongside this new composition for brass band, the partnership with the Victoria Wood Foundation will offer funding towards bursaries for young brass players to attend NYBBGB courses in 2026, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent talented young people from participating. The funding will also enable the award of leadership bursaries to support mentors working with the Children’s Band, helping to nurture the next generation of young leaders within the brass band community. 

Louise Shaw, Fundraising Manager for the NYBBGB said:

“We are incredibly honoured to be working with The Victoria Wood Foundation, who has supported The NYBBGB since 2024. Victoria’s legacy as a performer, musician and writer continues to inspire generations, and this project allows us to introduce her work to young musicians in a truly creative and meaningful way. This partnership also helps remove financial barriers for talented young players – a cause close to both our missions.”

Looking Ahead

This collaboration marks a powerful moment for both the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and The Victoria Wood Foundation. It brings together shared values, creativity and purpose, offering not only a celebration of Victoria’s life, humour and musicality, but also of the next generation of the brass band community, which she had so much love for. 

Find out more about the NYBBGB Youth Band Easter Course here.