2026 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - INTENSIVE SECTIONALS

Mark Wlikinson • September 16, 2025

Following the weekend's announcement of the set-works for the 2026 Regional Brass Band Championships, we are delighted to announce a brand new initiative ahead of next year's contests! 

During November this year, our Musical Director Mike Fowles and a team of our principal players will be holding open sectional sessions focussing on each of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th section regional works, where delegates can bring their parts & scores for their respective pieces and work alongside our top team of tutors to kick-start their preparations!
 
The cost of the sessions will be £30 per player, and during the sessions you will have the chance to talk to our tutors about any specific issues within the pieces, or any general brass playing questions on the side!
 
To register your interest, please email Mark Wilkinson via marklwilky@hotmail.com by WEDNESDAY 22ND OCTOBER.
 
The sessions will take place at Foden's Band HQ at: CPG Construction Products Group, Industrial Unit Booth Street, Sandbach, CW11 3QF
 
 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:


CONDUCTORS - MIKE FOWLES - SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER
4th Section: 10am - 12pm
3rd Section: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
2nd Section: 2:45pm -4:45pm
1st Section: 5pm - 7pm
 
CORNETS - MARK WILKINSON - SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
4th Section: 10am - 12pm
3rd Section: 12:15pm - 2:15pm
2nd Section: 2:45pm -4:45pm
1st Section: 5pm - 7pm
 
HORNS & FLUGELS - JONATHAN BATES - SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
4th Section: 10am - 12pm
3rd Section: 12:15pm - 2:15pm
2nd Section: 2:45pm -4:45pm
1st Section: 5pm - 7pm
 
EUPHONIUMS & BARITONES - GARY CURTIN - SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER
4th Section: 10am - 12pm
3rd Section: 12:15pm - 2:15pm
2nd Section: 2:45pm -4:45pm
1st Section: 5pm - 7pm
 
TROMBONES - JOHN BARBER - SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER
4th Section: 10:30am - 12:30pm
3rd Section: 12:45pm - 2:45pm
2nd Section: 3pm - 5pm
1st Section: 5:15pm - 7:15pm
 
BASSES - ANDY CATTANACH - SUNDAY 23RD NOVEMBER
4th Section: 10am - 12pm
3rd Section: 12:15pm - 2:15pm
2nd Section: 2:45pm -4:45pm
1st Section: 5pm - 7pm 

'Brass in Harmony' - Victoria Hall, Hanley

By Mark Wilkinson • May 6, 2026
Foden's are delighted to work alongside theirpartner 'Entrust Music Service Staffordshire' to present 'Brass In Harmony' The concert will take on the 19th June in themagnificent 'Victoria Hall, Hanley' featuring Foden's Band and Audley Brass Rode Hall Silver Band Trentham Brass Band Mereside Brass Penkhull Village Brass Foden's Community Band Thank you to event sponsor 'Joseph Lymer &Son and Horne Brothers Independent Family Funeral Directors Tickets available via https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens

Foden's announce the passing of Granville Jenning

By Mark Wilkinson • May 5, 2026
Foden’s are saddened to share the passing of former Soprano player and Librarian, Granville Jennings, shortly after his 96th birthday. Granville first joined Foden’s in 1963 remaining with the band for 10 years before joining Royal Doulton and Berisfords. He returned to Foden’s in 1995 as their Librarian, a role he continued in until recently, whilst also playing an active part in the Foden's Community Band. Granville’s dedication, friendship and years of service to the band will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Everyone at Foden’s sends their sincere condolences and best wishes to his daughter Barbara and family at this sad time. Personal Stories - Granville Jennings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xUx3O-FWSk&t=10s Funeral details will be posted when known

Foden's return to Gateshead

By Mark Wilkinson • April 30, 2026
Foden's are delighted to return to 'The Glasshouse International Centre for Music' in November for an unforgettable weekend of world-class brass entertainment. The 'Brass in Concert' entertainment contest will take place on the 14th November featuring eleven fantastic bands The order of play was released last week in this order!!! 1-Tertnes Brass 2-Brighouse and Rastrick Band 3-Desford Colliery Band 4-Flowers Band 5-Hepworth Band 6-The cooperation band 7-The GUS Band 8-The Cory Band 9-Aldbourne Band 10-Foden's Band 11-Tredegar Town Tickets go on sale Wednesday 8 July at 1pm via The Glasshouse website https://theglasshouseicm.org/

Foden's Community Band perform at Prestbury Golf Club

By Mark Wilkinson • April 24, 2026
The Foden's Community Band were delighted to perform at Prestbury Golf Club recently as part of the Lady Captain’s Day Charity Lunch. Lady Captain Heather Cunningham hosted the event in aid of her chosen charity, Cheshire Community Foundation — making it a truly special occasion for everyone involved. The Foden's Community Band continues to grow from strength to strength, set up ten years ago with five members, the band now boast twenty four who rehearse weekly at the Foden's Bandroom!

Foden's are looking forward to returning to Bromsgrove in May upon the invitation of the 'Wychavon Festival of Brass'

By Mark Wilkinson • April 16, 2026
If you’re aged 10–18, play to around Grade 5 standard or above, love brass banding and want to improve your skills, this is an amazing opportunity to learn from Michael Fowles and Principal players from Foden's - its also free of charge!!!!! Places available for all brass band instruments, including percussion Saturday 23rd May Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School 10:00am – 2:00pm Finishing with a short performance Register now via the Wychavon Festival of Brass website: https://wychavonfestivalofbrass.org/youth/masterclass-2026-entry-form/

Heritage Site - Discover our legacy

By Mark Wilkinson • April 13, 2026
Foden's Band are extremely proud of their history and were delighted to showcase it through a dedicated Heritage Site. The project commenced following the band's devastating bandroom fire in 2016. The site brings together a rich collection of articles, photographs, concert programmes, player lists and so much more – preserving and celebrating their story for future generations. A major highlight was the digitisation of over 100 original ‘78s alongside recent recordings of previously unrecorded works, brought to life using the original manuscript parts. The project was made possible due to funding from the Heritage Lottery. Explore the enjoy the archive via https://www.fodensbandheritage.co.uk/

Foden's are delighted to support the Sandbach Transport Festival on the 26th April!

By Mark Wilkinson • April 13, 2026
The Sandbach Transport Festival is a large annual community event (attracting thousands of people) celebrating the town’s strong history in transport and engineering. It originally grew from Sandbach’s heritage as the home of famous commercial vehicle manufacturers like Foden and ERF trucks. What is it ? It’s a weekend festival featuring: Classic cars, vintage trucks, motorcycles, and modern vehicles A large vehicle parade through the town centre Live music from local bands Family entertainment, fairground rides, food stalls, and displays Sometimes stunt shows (motorbike/BMX) and special exhibitions Join us as we take to the stage on Sunday 26th (between 3:00pm – 3:45pm) before proudly leading the Sandbach Transport Procession through the town

Congleton Town Hall - Salute to Sinatra and the Swing Legends

By Mark Wilkinson • April 7, 2026
Join Foden’s Band and special guest Matthew Ford for an unforgettable afternoon of music…  Widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest big band vocalists, Matthew Ford returns to Congleton alongside the multi-award-winning Foden’s Band. Expect timeless classics from Frank Sinatra and the golden age of swing. With accolades including ‘Best UK Male Big Band Vocalist’ and performances with the BBC Big Band, John Wilson Orchestra and at the BBC Proms, Matthew brings world-class entertainment to the stage. Foden’s will provide the perfect backdrop for a spectacular celebration of swing music. Congleton Town Hall - Saturday 11th July - 2:00pm Tickets: £20 via: info@fodensband.co.uk Don’t miss what promises to be a fantastic afternoon of iconic swing hits performed by one of the UK’s leading brass bands and one of its finest vocalists!

Elgar International Festival of Brass

By Mark Wilkinson • April 7, 2026
On the 7th June Foden's look forward to performing in the prestigious 'Elgar International Festival of Brass' at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire The Festival will also include performances from Black Dyke, Flowers, Brassband Willebroek, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Band as well as a recital from the fantastic David Childs Foden's programme will feature John Barber (who recently celebrated his 30th year with the band!) PROGRAMME Tallis Variations - Sparke Concertino for Trombone - Larsson Soloist : John Barber Sounds - Golland Antiphonary – Lane Orbital – Blackwood​​​​​ Further info via https://www.eifob.org.uk/

Armagh Old Boys Brass Band Summer School 2026

By Mark Wilkinson • April 7, 2026
A number of our members will once again travel to Armagh, Northern Ireland in August to lead sectionals and full rehearsals on the 'Armagh Old Boys Brass Band Summer Course' which promises to be a great week of music, fun and friendship! The course is open to brass and percussionists regardless of age For further information contact Julie-Anne Stevenson - jastevenson4@hotmail.com Location: City of Armagh High School - Alexander Rd, BT61 7JH Dates: Monday 10th - Saturday 15th August 2026 Cost: £60.00 Apply Now: https://docs.google.com/.../1SqJIe0-o-SxUu3srz6.../edit