The World-Famous
Brighouse & Rastrick brass Band
See Brighouse & Rastrick band live
Huddersfield Town Hall
Saturday 28th March – 4:00pm
Amazing Grace: A Celebration of Iconic Hymns and Marches
With Colne Valley Male Voice Choir
Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe
Latest news
Brighouse and Rastrick Band Secures Second Place at Brass in Concert 2025
Gateshead, 15 November 2025 – The Brighouse and Rastrick Band delivered an outstanding performance at the prestigious Brass in Concert Championship, held at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead. Competing against 10 of Europe’s finest brass bands, B&R claimed a superb second place overall, reinforcing their reputation as one of the UK’s leading brass ensembles.
Under the direction of David Thornton, the band captivated audiences with a bold and imaginative programme featuring works such as A Closer Walk With Thee, Toccata & Fugue in D Minor, Night on Bare Mountain, Love Remembered, and A New Kind of Empire. Their set combined technical brilliance with creativity and entertainment, earning them a total score of 179 points, just behind the winners, the cooperation band, who scored 185.
The contest, widely regarded as the “Eurovision of Brass Bands,” celebrates innovation and artistry in brass music. Brighouse and Rastrick also celebrated individual success, with Chris Robertson winning the Thomas Bulmer Memorial Trophy for Best Euphonium, a testament to the band’s exceptional talent across the board.
This achievement follows a year of remarkable performances for B&R, and the band now looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence in upcoming concerts and contests.
For full results and more information about the event, visit Brass in Concert or follow us on our official channels.
Hey!... to Haigh We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Paul Haigh to the band as our new Solo...
Brighouse and Rastrick Shine at Brass in Concert 2024
The Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band delivered an exceptional performance at the 47th Brass in Concert Championship, held on November 16, 2024, at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead. Competing against top-tier brass ensembles from around the world, Brighouse and Rastrick reinforced their reputation as one of the UK’s leading brass bands.
This year’s competition featured 11 elite bands showcasing innovative performances, complete with engaging themes, intricate musical arrangements, and captivating storytelling. Brighouse and Rastrick’s set not only demonstrated technical brilliance but also captivated the audience with its creativity and cohesion. The audience was treated to the debut of Peter Graham’s, Capistrano Overture as well as his extended work z1920 – Scenes from a silent movie,
As a highlight of the Brass in Concert weekend, the event drew brass music enthusiasts from far and wide. Known as the “Eurovision of Brass Bands,” the championship celebrates the best in the brass band world, with Brighouse and Rastrick consistently earning accolades for their musicality and stage presence. The band was happy to take two first places for Quality of playing and also see Dr Roger Webster win Best Soloist for his role as Zorro!
Brighouse and Rastrick now turn their attention to their upcoming performances, continuing to bring world-class brass music to their audiences. For more details about their upcoming events, visit their official website or follow their social media channels.
B&R welcome Treize Etoiles!
B&R welcome Treize Etoiles! On Friday 26th January 2024, two giants of the banding world will...
Hey!... to Haigh We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Paul Haigh to the band as our new Solo...
Brighouse and Rastrick Shine at Brass in Concert 2024
The Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band delivered an exceptional performance at the 47th Brass in Concert Championship, held on November 16, 2024, at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead. Competing against top-tier brass ensembles from around the world, Brighouse and Rastrick reinforced their reputation as one of the UK’s leading brass bands.
This year’s competition featured 11 elite bands showcasing innovative performances, complete with engaging themes, intricate musical arrangements, and captivating storytelling. Brighouse and Rastrick’s set not only demonstrated technical brilliance but also captivated the audience with its creativity and cohesion. The audience was treated to the debut of Peter Graham’s, Capistrano Overture as well as his extended work z1920 – Scenes from a silent movie,
As a highlight of the Brass in Concert weekend, the event drew brass music enthusiasts from far and wide. Known as the “Eurovision of Brass Bands,” the championship celebrates the best in the brass band world, with Brighouse and Rastrick consistently earning accolades for their musicality and stage presence. The band was happy to take two first places for Quality of playing and also see Dr Roger Webster win Best Soloist for his role as Zorro!
Brighouse and Rastrick now turn their attention to their upcoming performances, continuing to bring world-class brass music to their audiences. For more details about their upcoming events, visit their official website or follow their social media channels.
B&R welcome Treize Etoiles!
B&R welcome Treize Etoiles! On Friday 26th January 2024, two giants of the banding world will...
171st British Open Brass Band Championships
Brighouse and Rastrick Band Crowned Champions at 171st British Open Brass Band Championships
Symphony Hall, Birmingham – 6 September 2025
Brighouse and Rastrick Band have triumphed at the prestigious 171st British Open Brass Band Championships, securing first place under the exceptional leadership of Professor David King. Their performance of Stephen Roberts’ Star Crossed Lovers captivated adjudicators and audiences alike, earning unanimous praise and marking a defining moment in the band’s illustrious history.
This victory not only adds another title to their legacy but also qualifies Brighouse and Rastrick as the top English band for the European Brass Band Championships 2027 in Montreux.
Individual excellence also shone through, with Ashley Marsden receiving the Brian Evans Memorial Trophy for Best Soprano Cornet, and Chris Robertson awarded the Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy for Best Euphonium.
Professor David King’s visionary direction continues to elevate the band to new heights, reaffirming their status as one of the finest ensembles in the brass band world.
Brighouse and Rastrick Band extend their gratitude to supporters, adjudicators, and fellow competitors for making this year’s British Open a truly memorable event.
Long may the purple reign.
Whit friday 2025
🎺 Brighouse and Rastrick Make It a Hat-Trick at Whit Friday 2025! 🎺
Brighouse and Rastrick Band are delighted to share the exciting news that we have claimed victory at the 2025 Whit Friday March Contests—our third consecutive win under the expert leadership of the legendary Garry Cutt, affectionately known in banding circles as the “March King.”
On Friday, June 13th, we took to the roads of Saddleworth and Tameside, competing at venues large and small, and once again delivered performances that captured the attention of audiences and adjudicators alike. This hard-earned win is a testament to the dedication, discipline, and passion of every member of the band.
“To win Whit Friday once is special—but to do it three times in a row is truly something else. The band were on superb form, and the energy on the streets was fantastic. I’m proud beyond words.”
— Garry Cutt, Musical Director
A Salute to the Banding Community
We want to extend our warmest congratulations to all the amazing bands who took part this year. Whit Friday is about more than silverware—it’s about music, tradition, and the community we all share. The standard was incredible across the board.
And of course, a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers, stewards, organisers, and adjudicators who work tirelessly to make this incredible night happen. Your dedication is the heartbeat of Whit Friday, and we are so grateful for everything you do.
Keep an eye on our gallery, social media channels and PERHAPS CHANNEL 5 in the coming days and weeksas we share photos, behind-the-scenes moments, and a few special memories from the night, and perhaps a TV apperance!
Here’s to the music, the march, and the magic of Whit Friday. Onward together!
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