The festival programme for the 2026 European Brass Band Championships that take place in Linz, Austria from the 18th to 26th April has been confirmed.

It will feature musicians, educators and audiences from across the continent in what EBBA Calls, "a celebration of youth, excellence, and musical diversity" — from the participation of the European Youth Brass Band to the elite level Championship Section contenders.

There are also competitions for emerging soloists, concerts, educational activities and public events at venues including the outstanding Brucknerhaus Concert Hall, Linz Main Square, and locations throughout Upper Austria.

Youth and education

The festival opens with the arrival of the European Youth Brass Band and continues with the European Soloist Competition, whose rounds and final showcase outstanding young soloists in the Brucknerhaus. It will also host an educational exchange with 200 brass teachers' meeting for workshops and exhibitions.

A strong concert programme runs alongside the competitions, featuring collaborations with regional youth ensembles, district wind bands, and international guest bands, including performances in Eferding and Ried im Innkreis.

Public highlights include open-air concerts and a marching parade on Linz's Main Square, the festive Brass Mile, and a major Gala Concert followed by award ceremony.

Composer talk

An in-depth composers' talk will be led by Oliver Waespi with Thomas Doss and Andreas Ziegelback, the composers of the set-test pieces for the Championship and Challenge sections before the main competitive events.

The festival concludes with a Farewell Concert featuring the European Youth Brass Band and the Austrian National Youth Brass Band, marking the close of a week that combines artistic excellence, international cooperation, and a vibrant celebration of brass music.

Full programme

For full programme, please visit:
https:/­/­ebbc2026.at/­events-schedule/

Following the success of the 2026 ConsTest Birmingham Open held at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on the weekend, Next Step Film has ensured that you can relive any or all the performances time and again thanks to their popular 'On Demand' service.

Sign up and you can enjoy the 18 performances of a wide variety of own-choice test-pieces, including the winning rendition of 'Music of the Spheres' from Derwent Brass.

Go to: www.nxtod.com

Fleetwood Contest

In addition you can also sign up to enjoy the livestream coverage of the Fleetwood Contest which takes place on Sunday 26th April.

The day offers the opportunity to enjoy 34 bands from Youth to Championship Section a the Marine Hall, Fleetwood.

Subscribe:

Subscriptions are available monthly or yearly at £12.99 and £90.99 respectively and can be cancelled at any time.

Go to: www.nxtod.com/­subscribe

The Brisbane Excelsior Band told 4BR that they have been inundated with congratulations following their recent victory at the Australian National Championships.

It saw the band reclaim the famous Fireman's Helmet National Trophy now given to the band that wins the Premier Grade contest, after last winning it in 2024. It also saw conductor Howard Taylor lift the trophy for 10th time — a decade after he last did it with the band.

Pinnacle

Band President Ross Moloney told 4BR: "The win not only reaffirms Brisbane as the premier brass band in Australia but also brings Howard Taylor back to the pinnacle of the contesting movement here as well.

We asked Howard to come back in 2025 to help rebuild the band in our collective ethos of 'onwards and upwards' and he has done just that. The response from supporters across the world has been incredible and we have been inundated with congratulations."

Falcon

Victory came a series of high class performances of the set-work, 'A Road Less Travelled By', as well as their sacred item, 'In this Quiet Moment' and the march 'ORB', although it was their stunning rendition of Paul Saggers' 'The Falcon in the Snow' that gained 199 points from the trio of adjudicators that sealed the success.

"It's only the second time we have ever achieved the feat," Ross added. "It was a very special performance, and it was wonderful that Paul had tralleved from the UK to hear it. The celebrations went on for a very long time!"

Individual honours and wider strength

In addition to the collective honours the band also enjoyed individual success too on the weekend with Jaime Fixter winning the National Soprano title and Ross himself gaining the Baritone accolade.

The organisation's broader strength was equally evident with their sibling Windsor Excelsior Band achieving a commendable fifth place in B Grade, while the newly formed Lutwyche Excelsior made their debut appearance in the D Grade.

Ross told 4BR that the organization now hopes to launch of an academy junior band in April 2026, further strengthening grassroots development, while an international tour to the Beijing International Music Festival is planned for October.

There will be not one, but two European Championships held this year following the news that the draw has been made for the European Championship for Wind Orchestras (ECWO) in Stuttgart in November.

Musical excellence

Ten outstanding ensembles will compete in one of the most prestigious competitions for symphonic wind music, with a spokesperson telling 4BR: "ECWO stands for musical excellence, artistic diversity, and international exchange — and once again promises a weekend full of emotion top-level performances, and inspiring soundscapes."

ECWO will take place as part of BRAWO 2026 from November 21st to 22nd, making it an integral part of one of Europe's most significant wind music events.

Diversity

ECWO President Jan Matthys added: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome ten top ensembles from across Europe to Stuttgart. They represent the quality and diversity of the European wind orchestra scene and will offer audiences an unforgettable musical experience."

The competition spans two days and offers audiences a dense program at the highest level. The first six orchestras will perform on Saturday, followed by four more ensembles on Sunday. The ECWO is supported by Adams Musical Instruments, which will provide all percussion equipment, and by SV SparkassenVersicherung.

Draw:

*defending champion

Further information: www.ecwo.eu

Talented young musicians from Inverclyde's Riverside Youth Band recently showcased their talents at their ninth annual solo festival.

The event at Port Glasgow Salvation Army headquarters saw more than 20 players take to the rostrum to display their emerging brass and percussion skills in front of a packed audience of family members and supporters.

Accompanist Claire Haslin gave wonderful musical support as the players bid to impress adjudicator Lorne Cowieson.

Winners

The Senior Solo Class was won by trombonist Annie Jones (St Stephen's High) ahead of cornetist Bramble Kane (Notre Dame) with trombonists Cameron Mitchell (Inverclyde Academy) and Scott Smith equal third.

In the Intermediate Solo Class, tuba player Aaron Arthur (Port Glasgow High) took the honours ahead of fellow tuba player Callum McCowan (St Stephen's High) and baritone player Cameron Mitchell.

The Junior Solo Class was won by flugel horn Logan Mitchell (Aileymill Primary) ahead of tenor horn Callum Good (Ardgowan Primary) in second, whilst the Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy for Performing Excellence was presented to Aaron Arthur.

Members of the Riverside Rookies then provided a short performance prior to the results.

Wonderful morning

Reflecting on the event, Riverside Youth Band conductor Mark Good said: "We enjoyed a wonderful morning, with something to enjoy in every single performance — with the youngest performer just six-years-old.

I have huge respect for the commitment and sheer grit involved in bringing a solo performance to the stage and our young musicians demonstrated those qualities in spades."

The solo festival came during a busy period for members of Riverside Youth Band. They recently brought home Platinum and Gold-Plus awards from the Scottish Concert Band Festival.

They also performed a Sunday afternoon concert at Lyle Kirk in Greenock, before members provided music to accompany worship at the Easter Sunrise service in Port Glasgow New Parish Church.

Results:
Senior Class:

Intermediate Class:

Junior Class:

Jack Leitch Memorial Trophy: Aaron Arthur