2026 Intensive sectional dates added

Mark Wilkinson • December 23, 2025

Following the success of last months sectionals (which saw over 100 musicians travel to Sandbach to work on next year Area test pieces) Foden's are delighted to announce further dates in 2026!

 

In addition to the brass sessions previously provided, the North West Champions will provide workshop sessions for eager percussionists (across the four sections) with all the various percussion instruments provided in their band room.

 

Conductors can arrange online sessions with Michael Fowels

 

17th January - Euphs / Baris - Gary Curtin

 

17/18th January - Trombones - John Barber

 

18th January - Basses - Andy Cattanach

 

24th January - Cornets / Sopranos - Mark Wilkinson

 

25th January - Percussion - Mark Landon

 

7th February - Horns / Flugels - Mike Eccles 

 

Further information can be obtained via marklwilky@hotmail.com prior to the 10th January deadline

By Mark Wilkinson August 24, 2026
Foden’s Band are delighted to announce that registration is now open for the 2026/27 season of Foden’s Youth Band! Now entering its 15th year, Foden’s Youth Band continues to offer exciting opportunities for young brass and percussion players aged 21 and under (Grade 5+), bringing together talented musicians from across the region—and beyond—for high-quality music-making, expert tuition and outstanding performance experiences. The band meets monthly in Sandbach throughout the academic year, working with Foden’s team of professional conductors and tutors, as well as a range of guest artists and leading musicians. Our aim is to develop young players through challenging repertoire, expert coaching and inspiring performance opportunities, complementing and extending the experiences offered by school, youth and local banding programmes. The 2026/27 season will include: Monthly rehearsals and performance opportunities throughout the academic year, working on exciting and challenging repertoire. Continued links with the Royal Northern College of Music, providing members with opportunities to work alongside and learn from current RNCM students and professional musicians. Expert coaching and mentoring from members of the Foden’s team and leading brass and percussion specialists. Opportunities to perform alongside and learn from professional musicians, giving young players an insight into life at the highest levels of brass banding. A supportive and ambitious environment where young musicians can develop their playing, build confidence, make new friends and enjoy making music together.  We are looking forward to welcoming both new and returning members for another fantastic season! To find out more and apply, please visit: www.fodensband.co.uk/youth
By Mark Wilkinson August 7, 2026
Ahead of representing the North West Area at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall, Foden’s are delighted to once again perform at Regent Hall on the eve of the Finals. Join them for a preview of this year’s test piece ‘A Road Less Travelled By’ from the pen of Philip Sparke. The concert will also feature their award winning BIC show ‘Exodus:Moses in Egypt’ A huge thanks to Adams Percussion for their sponsorship of this concert www.adams-music.com Tickets: https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens
By Mark Wilkinson August 6, 2026
Foden’s are delighted to be heading to Warwick Arts Centre on Saturday 21st November for a special afternoon concert! Just one week after Brass In Concert, they will bring their brand-new entertainment show to Warwick… but you’ll have to wait a little longer to find out what it is! 📍 Warwick Arts Centre 📅 Saturday 21st November 🕐 1:00pm To book your tickets, call 024 7649 6000 email ticketing@warwick.ac.uk
By Mark Wilkinson August 3, 2026
Foden’s are delighted to announce that their talented Solo Cornet, Darcie Dewhurst, has been appointed Principal Cornet of ‘The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.’ Since joining Foden’s in January, Darcie has made a fantastic impact with the members
By Mark Wilkinson August 3, 2026
Foden’s Band is delighted to announce a new sponsorship partnership with Cheshire-based Acceler8 Clinical Research, bringing together two organisations with strong local roots and international reputations for excellence. The new partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and community, while providing valuable support to Foden’s Acceler8 Clinical Research is a Cheshire-based company in Knutsford with a global presence, including offices in Singapore, Australia and Canada. Ewan Campbell, CEO of Acceler8 Clinical Research, said: “At Acceler8, we believe in investing in excellence, whether that’s helping our clients accelerate the development of new medicines or supporting exceptional talent within our local community. “Foden’s Brass Band is a true Cheshire institution with an incredible heritage and an international reputation for excellence. We are proud to support the band and look forward to being part of its continued success.” Mark Wilkinson of Foden’s Band commented: “We are delighted to enter into this sponsorship partnership with Acceler8 Clinical Research. There are many parallels between our two organisations – both are proudly rooted in Cheshire while enjoying an international reach and reputation.’’ “Acceler8’s work supports pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device organisations in bringing life-changing treatments to people around the world. Their commitment to excellence and to supporting their local community makes them a fantastic partner for Foden’s. “We are extremely grateful to Ewan and the team at Acceler8 for their support and look forward to developing a successful and long-lasting relationship.”
By Mark Wilkinson July 20, 2026
After a very busy and successful start to the year Foden's are now enjoying their summer break! A number of members will be involved on various summer schools over the coming weeks, including the fantastic Armagh Old Boys Brass Band Summer School in August Preparations have already begun for the band's appearance at the British Open and National Finals but before then they are looking forward to returning to the concert stage. 23rd August – Marine Hall , Fleetwood - https://marinehall.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows 29th August – St John’s Church, Buxton - https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens Have a fantastic summer, and we’ll see you soon!
By Mark Wilkinson July 13, 2026
Tickets are now on sale for Foden's concert in the beautiful St John's Church on the 29 th August Foden's programme will feature their World-class soloists, a varied selection of music to suit all tastes as well as their award-winning entertainment set, ‘Exodus – Moses in Egypt’ Tickets available via www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens
By Mark Wilkinson July 9, 2026
Tickets are now on sale for the band's return concert at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood on the 23rd August Foden's look forward to sharing the stage with their good friends at the Freckleton Band Saturday 23rd August 2pm marinehall.co.uk 01253 887693 
By Mark Wilkinson July 6, 2026
On Saturday 4 th July Foden's had the pleasure of closing the 'St Mary's Arts Festival' for the second year running in Stafford The band had a fantastic evening performing in a superb venue with great acoustics as well as a very supportive and appreciative large audience. All at Foden's would like to thank Sue Savage and her team for organising another superb festival!
By Mark Wilkinson June 30, 2026
On Sunday 28th June, Foden's were delighted to host a fantastic concert featuring their talented Youth Band alongside the wonderful Oslofjord Brass from Norway, under the baton of former Foden’s cornet player, David Morton. Each band performed their own individual programme before coming together for a spectacular massed finale which included 'Procession to the Minster' Foden's would like to thank everyone who performed, supported, and attended the sell out event