The 2024 National Champion, Flowers Band has announced that it will represent England at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade in July 2026.

As reported on 4BR, the brass band competitions of the 20th edition of the four-yearly WMC event will take place over the weekend of the 10th-12th July 2026.

The Blue Riband Championship Division category attracts ensemble from across the globe, with Brass Band Willebroek crowned champion in both 2017 and 2022.

Works

A number of new compositions have been commissioned for 2026, including the top section work, 'Mirage' by Jan de Haan. Lucy Pankhurst's 'Ghosts of Industry' premiered at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival earlier this year will be performed by the bands in the First Division.

New works by Swiss composer Etienne Crausaz, entitled, 'Modern Times' and French writer Thierry Deleruyelle called 'Black Gold' will challenge the Second and Third Section competitors, whilst British composer Liz Lane will compose the work to be used in the Youth Division.

Special year

Speaking about the news, Flowers stated: "2026 was already set to be such a special year for us with our first ever appearance at the European Championships in Linz, Austria, in April.

Now adding another opportunity to represent Gloucester and England at a major international contest means it will be all the more incredible!"