Foden’s tutors return to Armagh for the 21st ‘Armagh Old Boys Brass Band Summer School’

Mark Wilkinson • September 2, 2025

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.

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!

Elgar International Festival of Brass

By Mark Wilkinson • April 7, 2026
On the 7th June Foden's look forward to performing in the prestigious 'Elgar International Festival of Brass' at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire The Festival will also include performances from Black Dyke, Flowers, Brassband Willebroek, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Band as well as a recital from the fantastic David Childs Foden's programme will feature John Barber (who recently celebrated his 30th year with the band!) PROGRAMME Tallis Variations - Sparke Concertino for Trombone - Larsson Soloist : John Barber Sounds - Golland Antiphonary – Lane Orbital – Blackwood​​​​​ Further info via https://www.eifob.org.uk/

Armagh Old Boys Brass Band Summer School 2026

By Mark Wilkinson • April 7, 2026
A number of our members will once again travel to Armagh, Northern Ireland in August to lead sectionals and full rehearsals on the 'Armagh Old Boys Brass Band Summer Course' which promises to be a great week of music, fun and friendship! The course is open to brass and percussionists regardless of age For further information contact Julie-Anne Stevenson - jastevenson4@hotmail.com Location: City of Armagh High School - Alexander Rd, BT61 7JH Dates: Monday 10th - Saturday 15th August 2026 Cost: £60.00 Apply Now: https://docs.google.com/.../1SqJIe0-o-SxUu3srz6.../edit

Thank you Market Drayton and Mark Landon!

By Mark Wilkinson • March 23, 2026
On Sunday 22 nd March Foden's travelled to Market Drayton to perform to a sold out 'Festival Drayton Centre' programming a reprise of their 'Exodus: Moses in Egypt' set as well as music from the pens of Pallhuber, Graham, Downie, Lome Barry, Elgar and Mangione! During the concert a presentation was made to long standing percussionist Mark Landon who has decided to step away from full time banding. Mark has been a fantastic asset and servant to Foden's for the past 26 years and despite stepping away, will join their pool of percussionists providing cover when needed! 

Foden's at the Crucible!

By Mark Wilkinson • March 16, 2026
In late January Foden's returned to the recording studio to record music for a production of 'The Ladies Football Club' which is being shown at the Crucible, Sheffield between the 28th February and 28th March. This high profile production was written by Stefano Massini (The Lehman Trilogy) and adapted by Tim Firth (Calendar Girls) which shows that the final result is not always the one on the scoreboard at full time! Foden's contribution was to record excerpts from a well known championship section test piece used during the performance (visit the show to find out!!) 'The Ladies Football Club' was chosen as one of 'The Times' best shows to see in 2026 with further details via https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/the-ladies-football-club 

''The Little Percussion Company" becomes a 'Partner'

By Mark Wilkinson • March 12, 2026
Foden's are delighted to announce that they have entered into a partnership with 'The Little Percussion Company' TLPC was formed in 2022 by its founder, Tony Lucas who spent over 20 years at JAM Percussion, concentrating on products that are easy to obtain in the UK.  Since forming a partnership with Adams Percussion, the band are delighted that TLPC have provided all cases / bags to protect these fantastic instruments! For further info about Adams and TLPC please visit https://www.tlperc.com/ https://www.adams-music.com/en/percussion

Foden's crowned the North West Area Champions for the 10th consecutive year!

By Mark Wilkinson • March 2, 2026
On Sunday 1st March Foden's competed at the 'North West Area' contest held at the Winter Gardens Blackpool. The UK is split into various 'regions' and the top two placed bands at each regional contest is invited to represent their 'region' at the National Finals, held at the Royal Albert Hall London in October. . Foden's competed against 11 other bands performing the set test piece 'Elgar Variations' by Martin Ellerby, being subsequently announced as the Champions for the tenth consecutive year also winning the prize for the best Principal Cornet Test piece: Elgar Variations (Martin Ellerby) Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs; Gavin Saynor  1. Foden's (Russell Gray)* 2. KNDS Fairey (Phil Chalk)* 3. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Thomas Wyss) 4. Freckleton (John Atkinson) 5. Leyland (Daniel Brooks) 6. Milnrow (Christopher Binns) 7. Wardle Anderson Brass (Jamie Cooper) 8. Boarshurst Silver (Martyn Evans) 9. Rainford (Adam DJ Taylor) 10. Whitworth Vale & Healey (Mike Golding) 11. Acceler8 (Jef Sparkes) Best Cornet: Mark Wilkinson (Foden's) *Qualify for National Final

Celebrating 30 years of service - John Barber

By Mark Wilkinson • February 23, 2026
Last weekend saw Foden's make a welcome return to Burton Town Hall, where they were delighted to mark a very special milestone. During the concert, a presentation was made to their outstanding and every-loyal Solo Trombone, John Barber, in recognition of his remarkable 30 years of dedicated service to Foden's!