Foden's are crowned the 'National Champions of Great Britain'

Mark Wilkinson • October 17, 2022

On Saturday 15th October Foden's competed at the 'National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain' held at the Royal Albert Hall, London. The contest featured the top 19 brass bands from around the UK who qualified from competing at various 'Area' contests across the country. Foden's won the 'North West Area' in February '22 for the sixth consecutive year. Each band performed the set piece entitled 'Hyperlink' by Peter Graham. 

   

Foden's were drawn to play last in the contest under the direction of Conductor Russell Gray with their performance receiving a fantastic reaction and ovation from the audience. Despite the high quality of playing from all bands throughout the day Foden's were later announced as the winner's for the third time in four years (2018, 2020 there was no contest due to Covid, 2021,2022) 

 

Test Piece: Hyperlink (Peter Graham)
Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs, Dr Stephen Cobb, Rob Wiffen OBE 

1. Foden's (Russell Gray)*
2. Black Dyke (Prof. Nicholas Childs)*
3. Cory (Philip Harper)*
4. Flowers (Paul Holland)*
5. Hammonds (Morgan Griffiths)
6. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
7. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
8. Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins)
9. Desford Colliery (Michael Fowles)
10. Redbridge (Chris Bearman)
11. Whitburn (Garry Cutt)
12. Aldbourne (Erik Janssen)
13. Bon Accord Silver (Adam Cooke)
14. Easington Colliery (Stephen Malcolm)
15. Leyland (Thomas Wyss)
16. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Christopher Bond)
17. Ratby Co-operative (Mareika Gray)
18. Northop Silver (Daniel Brooks)
19. NASUWT Riverside (Dr. David Thornton)
20. Haverhill Silver (Paul Filby) 

Best Instrumentalist: Richard Poole (soprano) — Foden's
* Prequalified for 2023 National Final 


By Mark Wilkinson August 7, 2026
Ahead of representing the North West Area at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall, Foden’s are delighted to once again perform at Regent Hall on the eve of the Finals. Join them for a preview of this year’s test piece ‘A Road Less Travelled By’ from the pen of Philip Sparke. The concert will also feature their award winning BIC show ‘Exodus:Moses in Egypt’ A huge thanks to Adams Percussion for their sponsorship of this concert www.adams-music.com Tickets: https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens
By Mark Wilkinson August 6, 2026
Foden’s are delighted to be heading to Warwick Arts Centre on Saturday 21st November for a special afternoon concert! Just one week after Brass In Concert, they will bring their brand-new entertainment show to Warwick… but you’ll have to wait a little longer to find out what it is! 📍 Warwick Arts Centre 📅 Saturday 21st November 🕐 1:00pm To book your tickets, call 024 7649 6000 email ticketing@warwick.ac.uk
By Mark Wilkinson August 3, 2026
Foden’s are delighted to announce that their talented Solo Cornet, Darcie Dewhurst, has been appointed Principal Cornet of ‘The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.’ Since joining Foden’s in January, Darcie has made a fantastic impact with the members
By Mark Wilkinson August 3, 2026
Foden’s Band is delighted to announce a new sponsorship partnership with Cheshire-based Acceler8 Clinical Research, bringing together two organisations with strong local roots and international reputations for excellence. The new partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and community, while providing valuable support to Foden’s Acceler8 Clinical Research is a Cheshire-based company in Knutsford with a global presence, including offices in Singapore, Australia and Canada. Ewan Campbell, CEO of Acceler8 Clinical Research, said: “At Acceler8, we believe in investing in excellence, whether that’s helping our clients accelerate the development of new medicines or supporting exceptional talent within our local community. “Foden’s Brass Band is a true Cheshire institution with an incredible heritage and an international reputation for excellence. We are proud to support the band and look forward to being part of its continued success.” Mark Wilkinson of Foden’s Band commented: “We are delighted to enter into this sponsorship partnership with Acceler8 Clinical Research. There are many parallels between our two organisations – both are proudly rooted in Cheshire while enjoying an international reach and reputation.’’ “Acceler8’s work supports pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device organisations in bringing life-changing treatments to people around the world. Their commitment to excellence and to supporting their local community makes them a fantastic partner for Foden’s. “We are extremely grateful to Ewan and the team at Acceler8 for their support and look forward to developing a successful and long-lasting relationship.”
By Mark Wilkinson July 20, 2026
After a very busy and successful start to the year Foden's are now enjoying their summer break! A number of members will be involved on various summer schools over the coming weeks, including the fantastic Armagh Old Boys Brass Band Summer School in August Preparations have already begun for the band's appearance at the British Open and National Finals but before then they are looking forward to returning to the concert stage. 23rd August – Marine Hall , Fleetwood - https://marinehall.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows 29th August – St John’s Church, Buxton - https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens Have a fantastic summer, and we’ll see you soon!
By Mark Wilkinson July 13, 2026
Tickets are now on sale for Foden's concert in the beautiful St John's Church on the 29 th August Foden's programme will feature their World-class soloists, a varied selection of music to suit all tastes as well as their award-winning entertainment set, ‘Exodus – Moses in Egypt’ Tickets available via www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens
By Mark Wilkinson July 9, 2026
Tickets are now on sale for the band's return concert at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood on the 23rd August Foden's look forward to sharing the stage with their good friends at the Freckleton Band Saturday 23rd August 2pm marinehall.co.uk 01253 887693 
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On Saturday 4 th July Foden's had the pleasure of closing the 'St Mary's Arts Festival' for the second year running in Stafford The band had a fantastic evening performing in a superb venue with great acoustics as well as a very supportive and appreciative large audience. All at Foden's would like to thank Sue Savage and her team for organising another superb festival!
By Mark Wilkinson June 30, 2026
On Sunday 28th June, Foden's were delighted to host a fantastic concert featuring their talented Youth Band alongside the wonderful Oslofjord Brass from Norway, under the baton of former Foden’s cornet player, David Morton. Each band performed their own individual programme before coming together for a spectacular massed finale which included 'Procession to the Minster' Foden's would like to thank everyone who performed, supported, and attended the sell out event
By Mark Wilkinson June 22, 2026
On Friday 19th June Foden's Band were thrilled to organise a large Community event in the iconic Victoria Hall, Hanley Seven bands were involved, each performing an individual set before joining forces for Slaidburn and The Floral Dance (50 years since initially recorded!) as massed items Over 160 musicians participated and they literally raised the roof!!! Audley Brass Rode Hall Silver Band Trentham Brass Band Mereside Brass Penkhull Village Brass Foden's Community Band The event would not have happened without the support from Entrust Music Service Staffordshire and event sponsor 'Joseph Lymer & Son and Horne Brothers Independent Family Funeral Directors