Youth Champs Registration open for 2027 Contest

Get ready to hit the stage at King Edward's School as Brass Bands England opens entries for Youth Champs 2027

Brass Bands England has announced that registration has officially opened for the 2027 National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain (Youth Champs).

As the UK's flagship event for young brass musicians, Youth Champs brings together more than 1,200 enthusiastic performers every single year. It stands as an essential cornerstone of the banding movement, offering a space where young players can take to the stage, build lifelong friendships across the band community and leave the event feeling inspired.

Youth Champs guarantees an inclusive, supportive and energetic stage for everyone.

Mark your calendars: a return to birmingham

Ensure that Saturday 17th April 2027 is pencilled into your diaries for the return of Youth Champs to King Edward's School in Birmingham.

Following glowing feedback from band leaders in 2026, who praised the top-tier faciliities, smooth logisitics and warm, welcoming atmosphere provided by the venue's team, BBE confirmed that the contest would return to the city for a second year.

Speaking about the event, BBE's Interim CEO, Sarah Baumann shared:

 “Delivering the Youth Champs is a real privilege for the Brass Bands England team - it really is one of the highlights of the brass banding calendar. Whether you’re a well-established youth band or a group taking the stage for the very first time, there’s a place for you at this event.”

On the topic of returning to King Edward's School, Sarah added:

 “We are delighted to be returning to King Edwards School, as it provided such a brilliant setting for the event in 2026. However, we are still committed to touring this event across the country to provide the opportunity for all to participate, and we will be confirming our 2028 venue as soon as possible.”

Four sections, One stage: Find the right fit for your band

One of the greatest strengths of Youth Champs is its tiered structure, ensuring every band, no matter their experience level, can find a section that is suitable for them.

• Showcase Section: A dedicated, non-competitive festival atmosphere designed for groups to perform without the pressure of strict contest marking. Ideal for beginner bands or ensembles focusing purely on building confidence onstage.

• Performance section: The perfect bridge into competitive banding. Bands present an accessible, 15-minute programme of their own choice in front of supportive adjudicators.

• The Yamaha Challenge Section: A step up into structured contest rules. Bands play a 15-minute set featuring one piece chosen from a set list. To spotlight future talent, there is also an exciting creative twist: a student must either conduct one of the pieces or compose/arrange part of the programme.

• The ABRSM Championship Section: The top tier of the event, featuring advanced competitive ensembles presenting a 20-minute set, including the official set test piece.

As an extra incentive for the Championship Section, the highest-placed English band will earn the prestigious honour of representing England at the 2028 European Brass Band Championships.

Don't wait: why early registration is crucial

If you are planning to enter your band, do not delay.

Places for Youth Champs are allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, and BBE has received a record number of registrations during the first day of opening.

Head over to the Brass Bands England website to secure your band's slot on stage at Youth Champs.