British Open 2025 Championships
Mark Wilkinson • September 10, 2025
On Saturday 6th 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)
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
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
“Donating my stem cells was such a small thing for me, but a massive thing for the person on the other side. One day out of your life could give someone countless years.” Ashley plays Solo Baritone with Foden's and recently gave the ultimate gift to a stranger: a second chance at life! “I first signed up to the stem cell register after someone I knew through the brass band I play in was diagnosed with leukemia and needed a stem cell transplant. A big campaign across the Brass Band Scene happened with many of us signing up with the DKMS team - it was very easy to register,” recalls Ashley. “7 years went by - to be honest, I had completely forgotten I had signed up! Then, I remember I had been at work and I checked my phone - I had a missed call, text, and email from DKMS - I thought: What’s all this?” “To hear I was a potential match for a patient - it was amazing. I was a little nervous about the donation experience, but everyone was so lovely and reassuring. “I donated at the Sheffield collection centre - everyone there was so kind. In fact, it was quite nice to have a rest for a few hours! Life is so busy - so it was nice to have time just to myself. “Everyone I’ve told thinks it's amazing. I know I’ve even inspired other people to sign up! I work at a secondary school, and they were really supportive. In fact, a little boy at my school has recently been diagnosed with leukaemia, so it feels even more important. “I’ve now written to the patient who received my stem cells, and I found out he’s a dad - knowing I’ve given him extra time with his two children is incredible. I was excited to hear he’s doing well, and I hope one day we might even be able to meet.” You could be someone’s second chance at life, too. Join the register today - dkms.org.uk/register .
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!
Tickets for the UK’s premier brass band entertainment event, Brass in Concert, are now on sale. The iconic Championships will return to the 'The Glasshouse Centre for Music' on Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th November. As it edges closer to the grand 50th anniversary, this year’s event promises another weekend of unmissable top-tier performances. It all starts with the 48th Brass in Concert Championship, hosted by the evergreen Frank Renton. Eleven of the finest bands take to the iconic Sage One stage, each offering a uniquely crafted programme with entertainment at their heart. They are: Aldbourne, Brighouse and Rastrick, Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, the cooperation band, Cory, Foden's, Flowers, GUS Band, Kleppe Musikklag (Norway), KNDS Fairey, Schoonhoven (Netherlands). Following its triumphant return to the Brass in Concert line-up in 2024, Sunday will see the spotlight shine on Youth Brass in Concert and the next generation of world-class brass musicians. Over the course of the day, seven outstanding youth bands will perform creative programmes that will rival their Brass in Concert counterparts. The bands for Youth Brass in Concert are: Elland Youth Band, Houghton Area Youth Brass Band, Lancashire Youth Brass Band, Lions Youth Band, Shepherd Brass Youth Band, Wardle Academy Youth Brass Band, Youth Brass 2000 The headline Brass in Concert Championship offers bands an unbeatable prize pot among UK-based banding competitions. With so much to play for, you can expect thrilling, high-calibre performances from every band taking the stage. Alongside adjudication from the adjudication panel of both events, the Championship audience will once again have their chance to vote for their favourite in the popular Audience Vote. Brass in Concert Championship: From £37.13 Youth Brass in Concert: Adults: £13 | Under 18s: £5 | Under 5s: Free https://theglasshouseicm.org/seasons/brass-in-concert-championships-2025/
Foden's recently welcomed Ann Nevitt (former Mayor of Sandbach) and her husband Philip to a rehearsal where the band were presented with a 'substantial' cheque! Between 2024 / 2025 Ann chose Foden's as her 'Mayors Charity' and arranged a large number of fund-raising events including a quiz night, grand draw and concerts in the Area. Speaking on behalf of Foden's Mark Wilkinson commented 'We would like to thank Ann and her team as well the local Community for their support. Ann has spent a tremendous amount of time raising funds which helped contribute towards our costs in representing England at the European Brass Band Championships in Norway earlier this year. Everyone at Foden's is very grateful to Ann and Sandbach Town Council for their continued support and we look forward to working with Ann on a number of future events.'
Foden's are delighted that Mike Lovatt will appear as their guest soloist at the Regent Hall on the eve of the National Finals. Mike is regarded as one of the World's leading Trumpet players who's recording career includes the James Bond films Tomorrow Never Dies and Die Another Day, Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (with The London Symphony Orchestra) the award winning Chicago, Kevin Spacey’s Beyond the Sea, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Madagascar, and The Corpse Bride. In 2018 Mike recorded his first solo album with Foden's and will return to the recording studio with Foden's once again in September. Speaking about the concert Mark Wilkinson commented 'Foden's are delighted to return to the Regent Hall which gives us the opportunity to perform this years set work 'Symphony in Two Movements' by Edward Gregson ahead of our RAH appearance as well as an entertaining programme under the baton of Yamaha artist Russell Gray. We are looking forward to accompanying the fantastic Mike Lovatt who will also be our guest for the London weekend' The concert is supported by Yamaha with tickets available via https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens
Five UK bands are collaborating on an innovative project which will commission serious new music from established composers in other genres who have not yet composed for brass band. The initiative is being spearheaded by The cooperation Band, Cory, Flowers, Tredegar and Foden's alongside conductor Martyn Brabbins. The aim is to identify suitable composers, invite them to compose for the genre, and then commit to five 'premiere' performances across the UK, one from each band. Richard Blackford is the first commissioned composer, with the piece being supported and co-commissioned by BBC Radio 3. Blackford ranks among Europe’s leading composers for both concert and media music. His works are performed internationally and his scores for film and television are broadcast widely across nearly every European nation. His acclaimed choral composition Pietà earned the Ivor Novello Composer Award in 2020 and continues to be performed around the world. His new piece for brass band is called Orbital, which is based on Samantha Harvey's 2024 Booker Prize winning novel. The novel, which draws upon the work and research of Carl Sagan, follows six astronauts aboard the International Space Station as they orbit Earth, reflecting on subjects including the existence or nature of God, the meaning of life, and existential threats such as climate change. Schedules for the first performances of this new work are being drawn up by each band and will take place throughout 2026. It is intended that this piece is the first in a sequence of new music from established composers, and discussions with future collaborators are already underway. A spokesperson for the five band initiative commented: "We're delighted to be working on this project together. At several moments across brass band repertoire history, new voices have emerged which injected energy, innovation and new ways of thinking into our music. Composers such as Gilbert Vinter, John McCabe and Philip Wilby were all well-established before they wrote for brass band later on in their careers, with such huge and long-lasting impact. “This initiative similarly aims to discover new creative voices from outside of the movement. We are aware that there is already a huge quantity of new music for brass band, but not such an abundance of quality. One of the central objectives of this project is to create music which other bands will listen to and want to programme themselves and we are keen to work with each of the composers to introduce them to our musical world and advise them on what makes our most well-loved repertoire so frequently performed. We are extremely grateful to BBC Radio 3 for their belief in this project and assistance in funding this co-commission. Following the success of the series ‘Brass Banding with Hannah Peel’, it is fantastic to see a continued interest in supporting and programming music from brass bands in their broadcasting.” The composer of Orbital, Richard Blackford commented: "I’m thrilled to have been chosen to collaborate closely with five of the greatest brass bands in the world on Orbital. The piece is virtuosic, full of drama and contrasts and, I hope - good tunes.”
