On Sunday 20th September our fantastic Youth Band kicked off their 15th season, they were delighted to welcome new and returning players for the start of another year. The band worked with Michael Fowles and Foden's tutors on their major work for this season – Lucerne Dances by Philip Sparke. Further info on joining the band via our Foden's youth band page

Following the success of last year’s initiative, Foden's are delighted to once again host their Area Workshops, covering Sections 4–1 across every instrument. These intensive sessions are a fantastic opportunity to prepare, develop and refine your playing ahead of the Area Championships. Euphoniums & Baritones — Gary Curtin - 15th November Cornets & Soprano — Mark Wilkinson - 22th November Horns & Flugels — Mike Eccles - 29th November Percussion — Sam Iles - 5th December Conductors — Michael Fowles - 6th December Trombones — Shaun Farrington - 9th January Basses — Andy Cattanach - 16th January  All workshops will take place in Sandbach, with the Conductors’ session being held via Zoom. Further details and booking information via marklwilky@hotmail.com

On Saturday 12th September, Foden's travelled to the Symphony Hall, Birmingham to compete at the 172nd British Open Championships. The 'Open' is regarded as one of the leading Brass Band Contests in the World which attracts an extremely strong line up of bands including some overseas guests. This year, 19 bands all performed the set work 'Music of the Spheres' by Philip Sparke. This exceptionally difficult work placed demanding challenges on all band members lasting 18 minutes. Despite these challenges, the work proved a popular choice amongst those competing and the 2000 plus audience. Following the announcement of the results Foden's were crowned the British Open Champions (and now receive an invitation to represent England at the European Championships in Birmingham in 2028) as well as receiving individual awards for the best Soprano and Cornet. Test Piece: Music of the Spheres (Philip Sparke) Adjudicators: Martyn Brabbins, Arsené Duc, David Hirst 1. Foden's (Russell Gray)* 2. Brass Band Willebroek (Frans Violet) 3. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof. David King) 4. Sydney City Brass (Jason Katsikaris) 5. Leyland (Daniel Brooks) 6. Hepworth (Ryan Watkins) 7. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse) 8. Aldbourne (Glyn Williams) 9. Black Dyke (Prof. Nicholas Childs) 10. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Glenn Van Looy) 11. Milnrow (Christopher Binns) 12. Flowers (Paul Holland) 13. Cory (Philip Harper) 14. KNDS Fairey (Philip Chalk) 15. Hammonds (Morgan Griffiths) 16. the cooperation band (Katrina Marzella-Wheeler) 17. Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington) 18. Amersham (Paul Fisher)** 19. EverReady (David Morton)**  *Invitation to represent England at the 2028 European Championship. ** Relegated to 2027 Grand Shield Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy: Andy Moore (horn) — Brighouse & Rastrick Brian Evans Memorial Trophy for Best Soprano: Richard Poole (Foden's) The Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy for Best Euphonium: Kevin van Giel (Brass Band Willebroek) Phillip McCann Trophy for Best Cornet: Mark Wilkinson (Foden's)

Ahead of the British Open Contest, Foden's are looking forward to welcoming you to an Open Rehearsal featuring this year’s test piece, Music of the Spheres, from the pen of Philip Sparke. (Please note the rehearsal is NOT at Sandbach Boys School where the band usually hold rehearsals / concerts) Thursday 10th September 7.30pm Sandbach High School, Middlewich Rd, Sandbach, CW11 3NT Free entrance Come along and hear the band put the finishing touches to our performance ahead of the British Open!

Back in May, the band returned to the recording studio for two exciting projects, both set to be released later this year! Michael Fowles recently visited 'World of Brass' to put the final editing touches in place, bringing these projects one step closer to release. More information will be revealed shortly… watch this space!

Foden's would like to thank everyone who came and supported their concert on Saturday in the fantastic St John’s Church, Buxton. A large and incredibly receptive audience made for a brilliant evening of music and a great atmosphere. The band also enjoyed performing to a large number of players from local bands across the area. The audience enjoyed a varied programme including a sneak preview of 'Music of the Spheres' which is the forthcoming test piece selection at the Brition Open Contest in a couple of weeks

On Sunday 23 rd August Foden's travelled to Fleetwood to perform an afternoon concert in the Marine Hall Joining Foden's for this concert were their guests, The Freckleton Band, who as well as providing a 20 minute solo spot joined Foden's for two massed items to conclude the concert The event was a huge success with both bands performing to a very receptive and large audience!

Foden’s Band are delighted to announce that registration is now open for the 2026/27 season of Foden’s Youth Band! Now entering its 15th year, Foden’s 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 throughout the academic year, working with Foden’s team of professional conductors and tutors, as well as a range of guest artists and leading musicians. Our aim is to develop young players through challenging repertoire, expert coaching and inspiring performance opportunities, complementing and extending the experiences offered by school, youth and local banding programmes. The 2026/27 season will include: Monthly rehearsals and performance opportunities throughout the academic year, working on exciting and challenging repertoire. Continued links with the Royal Northern College of Music, providing members with opportunities to work alongside and learn from current RNCM students and professional musicians. Expert coaching and mentoring from members of the Foden’s team and leading brass and percussion specialists. Opportunities to perform alongside and learn from professional musicians, giving young players an insight into life at the highest levels of brass banding. A supportive and ambitious environment where young musicians can develop their playing, build confidence, make new friends and enjoy making music together.  We are looking forward to welcoming both new and returning members for another fantastic season! To find out more and apply, please visit: www.fodensband.co.uk/youth

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