UK to Host 2028 European Brass Band Championships
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European Brass Band Championships Returns to the UK for its 50th Anniversary
The European Brass Band Championships will make a return to the UK in 2028. Held at Birmingham Symphony Hall, the return of the championships will mark a significant homecoming for the contest’s 50th anniversary year.
Restored From the Brink of Uncertainty
It was reported in January 2026 that Brass Bands England would no longer be the host organisation for the 2028 European Brass Band Championships. This led to several alternative host countries offering to host the contest, leading to around 10 different leads. However, following strong feedback from many stakeholders within the UK and Europe, it was made clear that there was a keen interest for the championships to return to the UK for its 50th anniversary.
The return will be organisationally and financially undertaken by the European Brass Band Association with the support of a donation from a private sponsor. The original date of the last weekend in April 2028 has been reinstated by B:Music, the charity responsible for Birmingham Symphony Hall.
Speaking in the EBBA’s press release, President of the European Brass Band Association, Ulf Rosenberg said:
“We are extremely pleased and thankful by the strong, engaging and encouraging feedback from the EBBA member countries, other possible host organisations and cities, the bands and other stakeholders we have been in dialogue with during this process. This confirms and demonstrates the reputation and attractiveness to be involved in the European championships. We will now see the event happen in the “motherland” of banding f
or the anniversary event”
A Welcome Return
With the contest celebrating its 50th anniversary, the announcement of the EBBC coming back to the UK was welcome news to both organisers and the British brass banding community. Chris Proctor, Head of Programme at B:Music in Birmingham commented on the contest’s return to Symphony Hall:
“We’re delighted to be working with the European Brass Band Association to host the European Brass Band Championships at Symphony Hall in 2028. Having previously hosted the championships back in 2022, to have the opportunity to bring them back to Birmingham, and to the UK, as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations was too good to miss.
An Exciting Year for British Brass Banding
Although further details about the European Brass Band Championships are yet to be announced, its return is sure to make 2028 an exciting year for UK banders.
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