The 'RNCM International Brass Band Festival' saw a presentation to long serving member Andy Rolfe who leaves Foden's after 19 years service. During this time Andy has been an active part of the band's management team and takes up a role as Trustee. Due to Andy leaving on 3rd cornet there has been some movement on the back row with the experienced Adrian Lacey joining on 2nd cornet. Adrian was a long serving member of the Staffordshire Building Society Band where he played Principal Cornet for 10 years followed by a spell at Grimethorpe on Solo Cornet. Following the departure of 'bumper up' Paul McDonald in December, the RNCM concert also saw Jon Probert move up to this position from solo cornet with Darcie Dewhurst joining on the front row. Darcie joins from Blackburn and Darwen where she was Principal Cornet as well as being solo cornet with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain , Principal Cornet with Lancashire Youth Band and studying at the RNCM under the guidance of Roger Webster. Speaking about the changes Mark Wilkinson commented 'We would like to thank Andy for his impeccable service and commitment during the past 19 years and wish him well in his retirement from full time banding and work. We are delighted to announce the signing of Adrian who also brings further experience to the section. I have been an admirer of Darcie's playing for a number of years and thrilled she has accepted our invitation to join.' 

On Friday 23rd January Foden's once again opened the prestigious '2026 International Brass Band Festival' at the Royal Northern College of Music. The RNCM International Brass Band Festival remains a premier stage for the world’s leading brass band musicians, celebrating the finest repertoire crafted for the genre. Under the artistic direction of Dr David Thornton, the festival once again embraced both innovative new compositions and celebrated legacy works, a commitment that resonated throughout this year’s programme. A highlight of the 2026 festival was the celebration of Philip Sparke's 70th birthday, an award-winning English composer who has made a profound impact on the wind and brass repertoire. The Festival also welcomed the Concord Brass Band from Denmark, as well as Foden's , Black Dyke, Tredegar, Brighouse and Rastrick, Cory, RNCM Band, RNCM Junior School Band and Yorkshire Youth Band Foden's Programme Hermann Pallhuber A Fanfare of Bells Claire Cope The Green Chapel* (IBBF commission and world premiere) Paul Mealor Tranquil Abiding Benjamin Britten arr Paul Hindmarsh Prelude and Courtly Dances from Gloriana Edmund Rubbra Variations on the Shining River (world premiere of a newly re-scored version by Phillip Littlemore) Philip Sparke Partita Performers Michael Fowles conductor Bones Apart Trombone Quartet*  Foden’s Band 4Barsrest concert review - https://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con889.asp