*
banner

UniBrass ready for full day of music making

The ICC Wales in Newport will welcome the UniBrass Championships — with a fantastic day promised by organisers.

UnIbRASS
  The Championships take place at the ICC Wales in Newport on Saturday 14th Febraury

The 2026 UniBrass Championships take place at the ICC Wales in Newport on Saturday (14th February), with a full day of exciting competitive and non-competitive music making on offer according to the organisers.

Louisa Armitage, UniBrass Foundation Vice-Chair of Trustees told 4BR: "We're very excited to be at the ICC Wales, and are busy making the final preparations for what is set to be a fantastic day.

I'm particularly pleased to welcome Louis Dowdeswell to play alongside City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1 Brass Band at our Gala Concert with further evening entertainment from live band 'Rock the Mike'."

Kick-off

The contesting action kicks off from around 10.30am. If you can't make it in person, the event is being live-streamed. The results ceremony is projected to start around 5.10pm and the Gala Concert at 8.00pm.

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:

Adjudicators: Paul Holland; Tracey Redfearn
Start: 10.45am

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:

Adjudicators: Lauren Chinn; Chris Thomas
Start: 10.30am

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

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Close Shave

KNDS Fairey look forward to A Close Shave with Wallace & Gromit

August 22 • A special double bill of Wallace & Gromit films plus extras will be heard in a very special concert in London in November.


Touch of Brass

Radio: Touch of Brass

August 22 • More brass bands music to enjoy from presenters Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


New South Wales

Live stream coverage of 130th New South Wales State Championships

August 22 • Tim Kelly is bringing all the action from Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.


Foden's Youth Band

Foden's Youth Band set to carry on 15th season of player development

August 22 • Registration is now open to be part of the 2026/27 Foden's Youth Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band are looking for brass and percussion players to join their new concert band who will be making music for the good folk in London, without the pressure of contesting.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd