Spring Festival to Move to Birmingham in 2026

New Chapter for 2026 Spring Festival in Birmingham

The British Open Spring Festival is officially on the move. From 2026, the iconic contest will wave goodbye to its long-time home in Blackpool and set up shop in Birmingham – a huge shift for one of the brass band calendar’s biggest days.

The Mortimer family, who run the British Open Brass Band Championships, have confirmed that the three sections of the Spring Festival – the Grand Shield, Senior Cup, and Senior Trophy – will take place across two days across two venues in Birmingham.

2026 Spring Festival Format and Venues

On Saturday 2nd May 2026, the Senior Cup will be held at Town Hall Birmingham, with the Senior Trophy happening on the same day in the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space inside Symphony Hall. The following day, Sunday 3rd May, Town Hall Birmingham will host the Grand Shield.

A Decision Not Taken Lightly

In a statement to the competing bands, released this morning, the Mortimer family stated:

"The decision to move the Spring Festival has not been taken lightly. It has been given a great deal of thought and consideration to the needs of the bands, allied to our determination to secure a long-term sustainable future for these contests.

There will be no reduction in the number of competitors, but we are determined that there will be a significant uplift in the quality of the performance and listening experiences for participating bands and supporters alike."

Assistance with Rising Costs

This relocation to a major city centre brings the risk of increasing costs for accommodation in contrast with its current home in Blackpool. However, the Mortimer family have also said that they are working with a number of local hotels fo secure 'exclusive deals' for competing bands.

Further details about the new era of the Spring Festival in Birmingham will be released over the coming weeks.