What's On

RNCM International Brass Band Festival

Fri 23 – Sun 25 Jan 2026

The RNCM International Brass Band Festival remains a premier stage for the world’s leading brass band musicians, celebrating the finest repertoire crafted for the genre. Under the artistic direction of David Thornton, the festival passionately embraces both innovative new compositions and celebrated legacy works, a commitment that resonates throughout this year’s programme.

Few composers have shaped the brass band world as profoundly as Philip Sparke. A highlight of the 2026 Festival celebrates his remarkable career in honour of his 75th birthday. David Thornton recalls: ‘The first time I remember hearing his music was when Britannia Building Society and Howard Snell gave that blistering performance of The Year of the Dragon at the European contest in 1992 – although I was only 14!’

The festival will trace Sparke’s creative journey from the 1970s – with Tredegar Town Band performing Land of the Long White Cloud (1979) – through to his most recent works, including the world premiere of Gemini, a duo concerto for cornet and euphonium, performed by Black Dyke Band.

Other premieres will feature new works by Dorothy Gates, Bruce Broughton, Simon Dobson, Claire Cope, and Théo Koita-Borcard.

We’re especially delighted to welcome this year’s international guest ensemble, Concord Brass Band from Denmark – the country’s first brass band, founded in 1957 and named Concord to reflect a spirit of harmony, cooperation, and joy. Performing in the British brass band tradition, the ensemble has a proud history of collaborating with British guest conductors while championing Danish compositions within the brass band repertoire.

Our international guest soloists include euphonium virtuoso Glenn Van Looy, who joins Tredegar Town Band for Derek Bourgeois’ Euphonium Concerto, and percussionist Yasuaki Fukuhara giving the world premiere of Simon Dobson’s Percussion Concerto. We also present solo appearances by Louis Kroni, Jesper Juul Windahl, Chris Robertson, Les Neish, and Brett Baker. The renowned trombone quartet Bones Apart will give the world premiere of festival commission The Green Chapel by Claire Cope.

The RNCM’s proud legacy of nurturing the next generation of brass band talent also shines this year, with students past and present featured throughout the programme. Alumna Katrina Marzella-Wheeler will conduct the RNCM Brass Band, and current RNCM student Phoebe Mallinson appears as a soloist with the Yorkshire Youth Band. Audiences will also enjoy performances from the Junior RNCM Brass Band and RNCM Young Low Brass and Young Trombones.

Finally, among the many notable performers and guests joining us this year are several of the UK’s leading brass bands, including Foden’s Band, Tredegar Town Band, Black Dyke Band, Cory Band, and Brighouse & Rastrick Band. Maintaining its familiar three-day structure, the festival features a packed schedule of prestigious performances alongside talks presented by Brass Bands England and 4barsrest. We look forward to welcoming back our regular attendees and inviting new enthusiasts to experience another outstanding weekend of brass band music.

Festival Discount

Automatically receive 20% off at least one ticket per event when you book three or more events in the RNCM International Brass Band Festival (excluding free events). Please note that this discount only applies when booking events as part of a single transaction. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.