The National Youth Championships of Great Britain will return to King Edward's School in Birmingham in 2027.

It follows positive feedback from participating bands and audiences and will take place on Saturday 17th April featuring four sections of non-competitive and competitive music making.

Organised by Brass Bands England (BBE), the event date reflects the Easter calendar date alongside consideration relating to the various Regional Championships contest around the country.

Best support

BBE stated that the date will, "best support young players and ensembles, as it allows participants time to return to rehearsals following the Easter break, and avoids a clash with the European Brass Band Championships the following week."

They added: "It also sits far enough ahead of the summer exam season to enable participation from as many young musicians as possible."

Discussions

On the change, CEO Sarah Baumann added: "Although we know the change in our usual date may not make it suitable for everyone, we have had discussions with many of our Youth bands to discuss this potential change, and we look forward to returning to our usual date in late-March for 2028."

The 2026 event attracted over 40 youth bands, with the running of the day gaining widespread acclaim from participants, supporters and the banding media.

Huge draw

Sarah Baumann added: "King Edward's School proved to be one of the most popular venues for the Youth Champs in recent years, and we're delighted to be working with them again.

The school's central location within the country is a huge draw, as shown by the record-breaking number of bands at Youth Champs 2026."

Ensembles will be able to enter four categories — from the non-competitive Showcase Section, through a Performance Section, Challenge Section and Championship Section.

King Edward's School proved to be one of the most popular venues for the Youth Champs in recent years, and we're delighted to be working with them againSarah Baumann, BBE

Further details

Further details will be released over the summer, including a comprehensive pre-entry information pack to help bands decide which section best suits their ensemble.

Entries will open in early September via the BBE website and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.