Foden's represent England at the European Brass Band Championships

Mark Wilkinson • May 3, 2022

In 2018 Foden's were crowned the 'National Champions of Great Britain' at the Royal Albert Hall with part of this prize being an invitation to represent England at the European Brass Band Championships to be held in Palanga, Lithuania. Sadly, due to Covid, the contest was cancelled and the band received an invitation to the rearranged event to be held in Birmingham last weekend.

The contest featured 11 Champion bands of their respective Countries who competed over two days. On Day 1, each band played the same set work and on Day 2 a work of their own choice. The points over the two days were then added together to provide the total positions.

Since our return from Easter holidays, we have rehearsed for 10 consecutive nights to prepare for this prestigious contest. The preparations also included a concert with the European Youth Band in Macclesfield which consists of talented players from all members of the European Brass Band Association under the leadership of Florent Didier.  The concert gave us an opportunity to perform both test pieces ahead of the contest.

Upon the conclusion of the contest, Foden's were announced in 3 rd  place overall with only 2 points separating the top 3 bands. Despite not winning, we had a fantastic time competing against the very best in Europe. 

The band are extremely proud of our achievement and look forward to our next contest in September which will see us competing ranked Number 2 in the World rankings. 

Congratulations to all at Cory on being crowned the European Champions

Adjudicators:
Set Work: Prof Garry Cutt, Katrina Marzella-Wheeler, Erik Janssen
Own Choice: Arvid Anthun, Christophe Jeanbourquin, Jan de Haan

Test Piece: Saints Triumphant (Prof Philip Wilby)
(Draw): Set Work/Own Choice = Total

1. Cory (Philip Harper): 98/94 = 192
No Man's Land (Thierry Deleruyelle)

2. Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc): 93/98 = 191
A Gabrieli Fantasy (Bert Appermont)

3. Foden's Band (Russell Gray): 94/96 = 190
Eden (John Pickard)

4. Tredegar Band (Ian Porthouse): 96/92 = 188*
So Spoke Albion... (Gavin Higgins) 

5. Stavanger Brass Band (Allan Withington): 95/93 = 188
The Turing Test (Simon Dobson)

6. Hauts-de-France Brass Band (Luc Vertommen): 91/97 = 188
Sinfonietta no.2 — Four Impressions (Pierre-Antoine Savoyat)

7. Brass Band Schoonhoven (Paul Holland): 90/95 = 185
Fraternity (Thierry Deleruyelle)

8. 3BA Concert Band (Corsin Tuor): 92/88 = 180
Other Lives (Oliver Waespi)

9. the cooperation band (Michael Fowles): 89/89 = 178
Journey of the Lonely Wolf (Simon Dobson)

10. Göta Brass Band (Michael Thomson): 87/90 = 177
From Ancient Times (Jan Van der Roost)

11. Brass Band Oberosterreich (Gunther Reisegger): 88/87 = 175
Dynasty (Peter Graham)

Best Soloist: Will Norman (flugel) — Tredegar Brass Band

*Set Work placing takes precedence in event of a tie

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

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!