On the 20/21 September Foden's returned to the recording studio to work alongside the fabulous Mike Lovatt for a disc to be released early next year! As well as recording with Mike, Foden's also had the added bonus of accompanying the legendary Gordon Campbell in a featured duet! The CD was directed by both Michael Fowles and Paul Fisher as well as recording with Matt Skelton (kit), Jeremy Brown (Double Bass), Liam Dunachie (Piano) and Geraldine O'Doherty (Harp) Material was arranged by Colin Skinner who was also featured on Sax with the recording undertaken by World of Brass Further info to be released in due course!

On Sunday 14th September Foden's returned to Birmingham to share the stage with the fantastic Birmingham Citadel Band to a capacity audience. Each band performed an entertaining and well received set before combining for a number of massed items including Star Lake, In Perfect Piece and Kingdom Triumphant shared by Foden's guest conductor Ian Porthouse and Gavin Lamplough Bandmaster of the Citadel Band. During the concert Gavin Lamplough presented Foden's with a framed letter dated 27 th April 1945 from Fred Mortimer confirming a booking for a £65 fee as well as £15 train ticket for Foden's to perform two concerts with the Citadel Band!!!! Foden's hope its not another 80 years until they perform together again!

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

Following last weekend's successful British Open appearance, Foden's are looking forward to returning to Birmingham on Sunday 14 th September to share the stage with the Birmingham Citadel Band. Foden's, under the baton of guest conductor Ian Porthouse with commence the concert featuring a number of the band's fantastic soloists before handing over to Birmingham Citadel who will perform in the second half under the baton of Bandmaster Gavin R. Lamplough. Both bands will then perform Star Lake, In Perfect Piece and Kingdom Triumphant as massed items Speaking about the concert Mark Wilkinson commented 'We look forward to performing alongside Birmingham Citadel Band for the first time and thank them for their invitation, we are also looking forward to working with Ian Porthouse in what will be an enjoyable, entertaining and musically rewarding event' The Concert will be held at Birmingham Citadel, St Chads, Queensway, Birmingham B4 6HH with tickets available via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/birmingham-citadel-sa/t-lnqxdam

On Saturday 6 th September Foden's travelled to Birmingham to compete at the British Open Championships held at the Symphony Hall. The 'British Open' is regarded as one of the World's leading Brass Band events due to the quality of the competing bands. Each band performed 'Star Crossed Lovers' by Stephen Roberts, commissioned by the British Open and inspired by the classic love story 'Romeo and Juliet.' Foden's gave a fantastic account of the set work and received excellent remarks from the three adjudicators, eventually being placed 4th. Congratulations to Brighouse and Rastrick on their victory! Test Piece: Star Crossed Lovers (Stephen Roberts) Adjudicators: Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst 1. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof. David King) 2. Brass Band Treize Etoiles (Frederic Theodoloz) 3. Cory (Philip Harper) 4. Foden's (Russell Gray) 5. Aldbourne (Glyn Williams) 6. Leyland (Daniel Brooks) 7. the cooperation band (Katrina Marzella-Wheeler) 8. KNDS Fairey (Philip Chalk) 9. Flowers (Paul Holland) 10. Whitburn (Luc Vertommen) 11. Hammonds (Morgan Griffiths) 12. Grimethorpe Colliery (Michael Bach) 13. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse) 14. Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins) 15. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Allan Withington) 16. Black Dyke (Prof. Nicholas Childs) 17. EverReady (David Morton) 18. Amersham (Paul Fisher)

Now entering its 14th year, the 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 across the academic year, working with Foden’s team of professional conductors, tutors, and guest artists. The focus is on developing young players through challenging repertoire, exposure to top-level musicianship, and opportunities that complement and extend the experiences offered by school, youth, and local banding programmes. The 2025/26 season includes: A joint concert in June 2026 featuring Foden’s Band, Foden’s Youth Band, and Oslofjord Brass Band from Norway. A continued partnership with the Royal Northern College of Music, giving band members the chance to interact with and learn from current RNCM students who shadow Foden’s tutors—offering valuable insight and inspiration for those considering music college in the future. Challenging and rewarding repertoire carefully selected to stretch and inspire. Coaching and mentoring from some of the UK’s leading brass and percussion specialists. Foden’s Youth Band is proud to provide a supportive and ambitious environment where young musicians can thrive, learn, and perform at the highest level. To find out more and apply, please visit: www.fodensband.co.uk/youth

Armagh Old Boys Silver Band where delighted to see the return of their ‘Brass Band Summer School’ between the 11th and 16th of August 2025 held in the City of Armagh High School with funding made available from the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavin Council. The summer school provides an opportunity for young and young at heart to come together to form two bands based on players ability: The Sterling Band conducted by Mark Bousie and The Sovereign Band conducted by Michael Fowles. Attendees ranged from the age of six to seventy- four and represented many bands across the province, Ireland and Mainland UK. Participants were also treated to an outstanding performance by the Foden’s tutors. Throughout the week delegates developed their music technicality through an exciting and challenging repertoire which included; Prismatic Light by Alan Fernie, Trailblaze by Geoff Richards, The Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre (arr Alan Fernie) Neverland by Christopher Bond, A musical tribute to Roald Dahl – The World’s Greatest Storyteller arranged by Philip Harper, and Shakira’s Waka-Waka arranged by Jonathan Bates. The Summer School Spectacular Concert held in Armagh Old Boys Band music centre on the Saturday afternoon was a culmination of a great week of hard work and fun performed to a captivated audience. Various awards were made - Brasses Plaque (Best Attending Band) - Third Carrickfergus Band Armagh Old Boys Cup (Best Youth) - Peter McCormick (St Marks Silver Band) Dungannon Plaque (Best Adult) - Wesley Thompson (1st Old Boys) Poyntzpass Trophy (Loyalty and Commitment to the Course) - Jacklin Bingham (Third Carrickfergus Band) Foden's Band Cup (Best Overall) - Harry Loyld (1st Old Boys)  Course tutors - Mark Wilkinson, Mark Bousie, Richard Poole, Shaun Farrington, Gary Curtin, Jonathan Bates, Stewart Baglin, Michael Fowles and Anthony Mann. Foden’s look forward to returning to Armagh on the 31st of January 2026 with Summer School dates for ‘26 being announced in due course.

Join Foden's Band and Musical Director Russell Gray on Thursday 4th September for an open rehearsal ahead of the 2025 British Open Brass Band Championships in Birmingham's Symphony Hall! The band will be putting their final touches to Stephen Roberts' set-work 'Star Crossed Lovers', inspired by Prokofiev's music to 'Romeo and Juliet' before heading down to the Midlands the following day. Entry is FREE and the event will take place in Sandbach School's Theatre, with the rehearsal starting at 7:30pm!