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 

Tickets now on sale - Stafford 4th July

By Mark Wilkinson • May 26, 2026
Tickets are now on sale for the band's return visit to the beautiful St Mary's Church in Stafford - Last years event was sold out so please book early to avoid disappointment! St Mary’s Church, Stafford Saturday 4th July 7:00pm Tickets available here: https://www.ticketsource.com/st-marys-festival/fodens-band/e-emrkgg

Training Day at Bromsgrove School

By Mark Wilkinson • May 26, 2026
Last weekend Michael Fowles and the Foden's team lead a training day at Bromsgrove School organised by the Wychavon Festival of Brass The day consisted of full and sectional rehearsals, a Question and Answers session followed by a short concert for parents. Music performed included - The March ‘Home Again’ ‘Little Prayer’ and ‘The Journal of Phileas Fogg’ Thank you to everyone who attended!!

Concert Announcement - Sandbach 28th June

By Mark Willkinson • May 26, 2026
Foden's are looking forward to welcoming the fantastic Oslofjord Band (from Norway) this June, as they join the band on stage alongside the talented Foden's Youth Band! Each band will perform a short concert before coming together for a number of exciting joint items! Sandbach School, Crewe Rd, Sandbach 28th June 2:00pm Pay on the door (Free admission to under 18’s) This promises to be a wonderful afternoon of brass music and friendship!

Tickets on sale - Wolverhampton 20th June

By Mark Wilkinson • May 22, 2026
Looking forward to travelling to Wolverhampton to appear at - Venue: St Regis Academy, Wolverhampton Date: 20th June Start Time: 7:00pm Tickets : via attached flyer We are extremely grateful to the 'Richardson Brothers Foundation' for kindly sponsoring the concert

Party in the Park!!

By Mark Wilkinson • May 18, 2026
Sandbach Council are delighted to announce the return of 'Party in the Park' which once again features Foden's The event takes place on the 13 th June - Sandbach Park between 3pm - 8pm (with gates opening at 2pm) Further info - www.sandbach.gov.uk/party-in-the-park/ Event link: https://fb.me/e/599lQOVOZ How to get your tickets (by Monday 8th June) - Tickets are available from the Town Hall office (card payments only), or through the Council website: www.sandbach.gov.uk/event-tickets/ £12.50 adults (16+) £5 children (2-16) Family ticket £30 (2 adults & 2 children) Under 2’s go free (Please note that tickets will not be sold on the gate and must be bought in advance)

Not one, but two cd's!

By Mark Wilkinson • May 13, 2026
The band had an productive couple of days in the recording studio last weekend recording not one, but TWO CDs for release later this year! The recording was undertaken by World of Brass and included a Tuba Concerto with the phenomenal Ross Knight. Thanks to Paul Hindmarsh for coordinating both projects which also sees Foden's return to the studio shortly to complete the project

Adams Percussion

By Mark Wilkinson • May 11, 2026
Foden's have been busy in the recording studio recently, which gave them the opportunity to use some of their fantastic equipment from Adams Percussion

Foden's in Concert

By Mark Wilkinson • May 11, 2026
Where to see the band in action! 7/6 - Elgar International Festival of Brass - https://www.eifob.org.uk/ 13/6 - Sandbach Park - https://sandbach.gov.uk/party-in-the-park/ 19/6 - Victoria Hall, Hanley - https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens 20/6 - St Regis Academy, Wolverhampton - admin@stregisacademy.org 28/6 - Sandbach School with Foden's Youth and Oslofjord Brass (Pay on the door) 4/7 - @St Mary's Church, Stafford - https://www.ticketsource.com/st.../fodens-band/e-emrkgg 11/7 - Congleton Town Hall (With Matt Ford - https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens

'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