RNCM International Brass Band Festival

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.

A highlight of the 2025 festival is the celebration of Professor Edward Gregson’s 80th birthday. An award-winning English composer, Gregson has made a profound impact on the wind and brass repertoire. The festival will journey through his works, from his earliest compositions to his latest piece, Three Gods: Concerto for tenor horn, premièred by Belgian virtuoso Tim De Maeseneer with Foden’s Band.

We are especially excited to announce the festival début of Athena Brass Band, who we welcome to the RNCM from the USA. America’s first all-female brass band, Athena features distinguished members from military ensembles, university faculties, and the renowned Brass Band of Battle Creek. Dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in music, the band brings a festival programme that spotlights works by female composers from around the globe, including pieces from the UK, South Africa, Norway, and Canada.

The RNCM’s strong legacy of nurturing the next generation of brass banding talent also shines in this year’s festival, with students past and present featured throughout. Alumna Katrina Marzella-Wheeler will conduct the RNCM Brass Band, Athena will perform a piece by another alumna Lucy Pankhurst, Macclesfield Youth Brass Band will premiere a piece celebrating their 20th anniversary written by current student composer Helena Zyskowska, and audiences will hear performances from the Junior RNCM Brass Band. Elsewhere in the festival programme, Tom Smith performs Denis Wright’s Cornet Concerto and Michael Fowles conducts Foden’s Band.

Among the many notable performers and guests joining us this year are Tredegar Town Band, Black Dyke Band, Cory Band, Brighouse & Rastrick Band, David Childs, Katrina Marzella-Wheeler, Ben Goldscheider, Ian Bousfield, and David Bremner.

The festival maintains its familiar structure, taking place over three days with multiple prestigious performances throughout the day. Our trade exhibition includes stands from Besson, World of Brass, Geneva Brasswind Ltd, and Mercer and Barker Ltd. We warmly welcome back regular attendees and invite new enthusiasts to enjoy this year’s exciting line up.