UniBrass starts final countdown

The UniBrass Championships will take place in Newport this weekend.

The Championships take place in Newport this weekend.

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Student players and conductors are putting the final touches to their programmes to be performed at the forthcoming UniBrass Championships to be held on Saturday 14th February in the International Conference Centre Wales in Newport.

In addition to the two sections of competition (see below) there will also be a special Gala Concert headlined by trumpeter Louis Dowdeswell, alongside the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1 Band, as well as exciting evening of music, led by live band 'Rock the Mike'.

Amazing

UniBrass trustee Sidney Pycroft told 4BR: "This is going to be an amazing concert showcasing a whole range of musical talent and styles, including brass banding classics, live pop music, and astounding trumpet solos!"

The contesting action kicks off from around 10.30am. If you can't make it in person, the event is being live-streamed.

Visitors can also enjoy an extensive trade and exhibition area, whilst the Brass Band Conductors' Association will provide feedback sessions to the conductors who have asked for this opportunity.

Tickets and live stream:

The day element will be rounded off by a Results Ceremony opened by the South Wales Youth Band, before the fun of the Gala Concert and evening entertainment.

Tickets: bit.ly/unibrass2026 for Contest and Gala

Stream Passes: unibrass.co.uk/watch

Draws:
Trophy Section:

1. Huddersfield University Brass Band
2. Royal Holloway Brass Band
3. Oxford University Brass Band
4. University of Warwick Brass Society
5. Southampton University Brass Band
6. The University of Manchester, Salford University, and Manchester Metropolitan University Brass Band
7. University of Chichester Brass Band
8. Bristol University Brass Band
9. University of Birmingham Music Society Brass Band
10. The University of Sheffield, and Sheffield Hallam University Brass Band
11. Durham University Brass Band

Shield Section:

1. Bangor University Brass Band
2. Cambridge University Brass Band
3. Keele University Brass Band
4. Nottingham University Brass Band
5. Liverpool University Brass Band
6. UWE Brass Band
7. University of York Brass Band
8. Lancaster University Brass Band
9. Cardiff University Brass Band
10. University of Bath Brass Band
11. Leeds, Leeds Beckett, and Leeds Conservatoire Brass Band
12. Newcastle University Brass Band

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