On Sunday 8 th June Foden's travelled to 'Malvern Theatre' where they performed as part of the 'Elgar International Festival of Brass.' This prestigious Festival also featured Cory and Black Dyke with all bands performing a work(s) from the pen of featured composer Edward Gregson (who is celebrating his 80 th birthday). A large and receptive audience enjoyed a day of 'serious' music with bands also featuring an extended solo / concerto Foden's programme included 'Festival March, Chalk Farm No 2' and 'Essay' from the pen of Edward Gregson, 'The Children's Friend' by Wilfred Heaton (also recorded by Foden's in 2024) and a reprise of their 2026 European Own Choice test Piece 'Jesus in Tibet' by Simon Dobson. For their 'Concerto' Foden's performed 'Concerto Grosso' by Etienne Caussaz featuring Gary Curtin (Euphonium) and Mark Landon (Marimba) - Due to Foden's not owning a 5 octave Marimba (needed for this performance), they were extremely grateful to Adams Brass who arranged for this piece of equipment to be shipped from Holland with the assistance of Southern Percussion. Foden's would like to publicly thank both Companies for their help (and time) in making this possible!

Foden's are delighted to return to Sandbach Town Hall on the 17 th June to provide a varied and entertaining programme! The event is organised by Ann Nevitt and as well as having the chance to listen to the World's Number 1 Band, audience members will be able to enjoy a tasty hot pot supper (included in the price) served from 6.30pm Tickets available from Peever's Shop (Sandbach Town Centre), Burnell's Shop (Sandbach Town Centre), Sandbach Town Hall 01270 600835 or Ann Nevitt 01270 600851

Once again, Foden's are delighted to be hosting a pre-contest preview evening in London's Regent Hall on Friday 10th October ahead of the 2025 National Brass Band Championships in the Royal Albert Hall the following day! During the concert, Foden's will perform this year's set work - 'Symphony in Two Movements' by Edward Gregson, alongside a whole host of brass band works and featuring many of the band's incredible soloists! We're extremely grateful once again for support from Yamaha to make this event possible! Regent Hall, 275 Oxford Street, London, W1C 2DJ Friday 10th October, 2025 8pm www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens OR tickets@fodensband.co.uk

On Sunday 1 st June Foden's made a welcomed return to Burton Town Hall where they performed an entertaining programme to a large and appreciate audience. The band were also delighted to invite a member of their fantastic youth band to perform with Foden's. Youth Band Solo Horn player Isla Hawkins attended a number of rehearsals prior to the concert as well as performing in the concert Speaking about the event Michael Fowles commented 'We had a great time performing to a fantastic audience which contained a large number of current and ex brass band players. At Foden's we are all very passionate about Youth education and was delighted that Isla was able to perform with the band, she did a fantastic job!!!' 

Young brass players from across the UK gathered in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, on Saturday May 24th to attend the first ‘masterclass’ training session staged as a collaboration between the Wychavon Festival of Brass (WFB) and members of the world famous Foden’s Band. Supporting and helping to develop young brass players has long been one of the objectives of WFB in addition to staging its annual contest. Historically, WFB has held frequent training sessions of one sort or another in the past but, for various reasons, has not been able to do so for several years. Happily, 2025 has seen the reintroduction of a youth project, achieved by joining forces with Foden’s and the hope is that this collaboration will become an annual event. The masterclass was held at Bromsgrove School, familiar to many brass players who may have attended summer schools there. Facilities are excellent and allowed the Foden’s team to rehearse in break-out groups before coming together to perform on stage in the prestigious Routh Hall for parents and siblings at the end of what had been a very busy day. The Foden’s contingent was led by MD Michael Fowles and in attendance were Mark Wilkinson, Darren Lea, Jonathan Bates, Stewart Baglin and Mark Landon who each led a sectional on their chosen instrument. Playing members of the WFB joined in the sectional rehearsals and on the performance stage. Michael was clearly impressed by the concentration levels, behaviour and ability of these young players who were all sight reading some tricky pieces! The concert programme consisted of three pieces and the band, most of whom had never met before Saturday, gave a stirring rendition of the march ‘Star Lake’. This was followed by an affecting and musically sound performance of the 2020 Fourth Section test piece ‘Neverland’ – quite an achievement in such a short space of time! The final item was a rattling performance a Foden’s special--- ‘Dynamite’, arranged for band ahead of the Foden’s 2024 South Korea tour. It was clear that everyone had a fruitful and enjoyable time. Parents and children found the day entertaining and useful, Foden’s player and WFB committee members had a lot of fun. Chief organizer of the day and WFB committee member Iain Willis was delighted at the outcome. “Things could hardly have gone better’’ he said as he was packing away. Chair of WFB, Val Trim is confident that this is a collaboration that will be fruitful in years to come. ‘The future of the brass band movement lies in the hands of our young players –and we must do all we can to support them.’  Mike agreed. ‘It’s great to be involved in projects such as this—and Foden’s were delighted to be there to encourage and enthuse our young players!’

On Sunday 25th May Foden's were featured on a fabulous new programme with Hannah Peel where we performed the 'Prelude' to Wilfred Heaton's epic Partita for Band'! The programme is available to listen back via https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002cbtv

On Sunday 27th April, members of Foden’s Youth Band joined forces with students from the brass and percussion departments at Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester, for an inspiring morning of music-making and collaboration. Hosted in the superb surroundings of The Stoller Hall, the event brought together some of the region’s most talented young musicians for an immersive experience of rehearsals, sectional coaching, and performance. Led by Foden’s Youth Band Musical Director Michael Fowles, the morning began with full band rehearsals, followed by sectional workshops led by distinguished tutors from Foden’s Band: Mark Wilkinson, Melanie Whyle, Andy Cattanach, Sam Iles, Ollie Webb, and Ashley Dixon. The event culminated in a short performance for parents and guests in The Stoller Hall, celebrating the students’ achievements and musical growth. The programme featured Blenheim Flourishes by James Curnow, Not to be Forgotten by Pat Metheny (arr. Jacob Vilhelm Larsen), and Fearless by Andrew Wainwright. This valuable opportunity was made possible through the generous invitation of Dr David Thornton, Joint Head of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion at Chetham’s. The collaboration showcased not only the dedication of the young musicians but also the vibrant musical opportunities available at Chetham’s. Dr David Thornton commented: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Foden’s Youth Band to Chetham’s for this special event. Our collaboration highlighted the wealth of young brass and percussion talent in the region and the power of shared musical experiences. We’re proud to offer a strong and growing brass band programme here at Chetham’s – something we’re keen for prospective students to know. Events like this are a brilliant way to connect with the wider brass community while providing our students with high-quality ensemble experiences.”

On Sunday 18th May Foden's travelled to Newbury to perform in the fantastic Corn Exchange as part of the prestigious 'Newbury Spring Festival.' The Festival has been running for over 40 years and this year featured a number of World renowned groups including the 'English Chamber Orchestra' and 'Royal Philharmonic Orchestra' Foden's programme featured a number of original compositions for band including Edward Gregson's 'Variations of Laudate Dominum' (who this year celebrates his 80 th Birthday) as well as 'Little Suite for Brass' by Malcolm Arnold (featured on a recent cd recording by Foden's). The audience were also treated to 'Cassius : The rumble in the Jungle' written for Foden's appearance at 'Brass in Concert' last year. 'Cassius' showcases one of the greatest showpieces in sporting history - 'The Rumble in the Jungle', which took place in Zaire on 30th October 1974 between George Foreman and the ‘The Greatest’ - Muhammad Ali. Foden's would like to thank the large and appreciate audience for supporting the concert as well as the Festival for their invitation 

Preparations are well under way for Foden's as they look to represent England at the European Championships in May courtesy of their British Open victory in 2023. Speaking ahead of the contest Mark Wilkinson commented 'We are once again looking forward to representing England and are enjoying rehearsing our own choice test piece as well as the set work 'Transitions in Energy' by Fredrick Schjelderu. This work is very demanding both musically and technically and will pose a stern test for all! We are grateful to Darren Lea (band member) who has been busy preparing our itinerary and logistics which has included cancelled flights and having to re book from an alternative airport! Ahead of the contest we will be holding an open rehearsal in Sandbach on the 6 th May and will publish details nearer the time.' Mark continued 'Members have been extremely busy fundraising to cover the huge costs needed. The band will be making a large contribution helped by player payments. We are extremely grateful to those who have made various donations to help and have set up a go fund page to cover the additional costs needed due to the cancelled and re arranged flights! Any donations would be gratefully appreciated https://gofund.me/908e0b3d