The Elgar International Festival of Brass will be hosted at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Music in 2026.

The popular event will feature concert performances from European Champion Brass Band Willebroek, alongside 2024 National Champion Flowers, Foden's, Black Dyke and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band. It will take place on Sunday 7th June.

David Childs

Adding to the line-up will be euphonium soloist David Childs, who will give a recital performance as well as lead an open masterclass featuring students from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

The move follows the success of the 2025 event held in Malvern, with the audience response showing that it could now expand to a venue offering outstanding bespoke concert hall facilities.

Superb venue

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is simply a superb venue in every aspect — both for performers and audiences alike.

Its location, transport links, visitor facilities such on-site parking, make it the perfect home for our expanding festival — and all allied to a modern concert hall which offers excellent acoustics.

We are thrilled that Edward Jones, Head of Brass at the RBC, has welcomed us so warmly and will work alongside us to elevate the event to new heights."

Delighted

In response the RBC Head of Brass added: "I'm delighted that we will welcome the 2026 Elgar International Festival of Brass. It will be a real thrill to hear these wonderful bands performing in our Bradshaw Hall.

This collaboration reflects the Conservatoire's ambition to play a central role in the UK's brass community while providing truly inspirational experiences for our students."

Further details

Further details will be found at: www.eifob.org.uk