Saturday 28th March – 4:00pm

Amazing Grace: A Celebration of Iconic Hymns and Marches
With Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

More Info and tickets

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.

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.