On Saturday 12th September, Foden's travelled to the Symphony Hall, Birmingham to compete at the 172nd British Open Championships. The 'Open' is regarded as one of the leading Brass Band Contests in the World which attracts an extremely strong line up of bands including some overseas guests. This year, 19 bands all performed the set work 'Music of the Spheres' by Philip Sparke. This exceptionally difficult work placed demanding challenges on all band members lasting 18 minutes. Despite these challenges, the work proved a popular choice amongst those competing and the 2000 plus audience. Following the announcement of the results Foden's were crowned the British Open Champions (and now receive an invitation to represent England at the European Championships in Birmingham in 2028) as well as receiving individual awards for the best Soprano and Cornet. Test Piece: Music of the Spheres (Philip Sparke) Adjudicators: Martyn Brabbins, Arsené Duc, David Hirst 1. Foden's (Russell Gray)* 2. Brass Band Willebroek (Frans Violet) 3. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof. David King) 4. Sydney City Brass (Jason Katsikaris) 5. Leyland (Daniel Brooks) 6. Hepworth (Ryan Watkins) 7. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse) 8. Aldbourne (Glyn Williams) 9. Black Dyke (Prof. Nicholas Childs) 10. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Glenn Van Looy) 11. Milnrow (Christopher Binns) 12. Flowers (Paul Holland) 13. Cory (Philip Harper) 14. KNDS Fairey (Philip Chalk) 15. Hammonds (Morgan Griffiths) 16. the cooperation band (Katrina Marzella-Wheeler) 17. Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington) 18. Amersham (Paul Fisher)** 19. EverReady (David Morton)**  *Invitation to represent England at the 2028 European Championship. ** Relegated to 2027 Grand Shield Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy: Andy Moore (horn) — Brighouse & Rastrick Brian Evans Memorial Trophy for Best Soprano: Richard Poole (Foden's) The Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy for Best Euphonium: Kevin van Giel (Brass Band Willebroek) Phillip McCann Trophy for Best Cornet: Mark Wilkinson (Foden's)

Ahead of the British Open Contest, Foden's are looking forward to welcoming you to an Open Rehearsal featuring this year’s test piece, Music of the Spheres, from the pen of Philip Sparke. (Please note the rehearsal is NOT at Sandbach Boys School where the band usually hold rehearsals / concerts) Thursday 10th September 7.30pm Sandbach High School, Middlewich Rd, Sandbach, CW11 3NT Free entrance Come along and hear the band put the finishing touches to our performance ahead of the British Open!