The final qualification notes of the 2026 Regional Championships were played out at Stevenage, as 76 bands battled to claim places at York Barbican and the Royal Albert Hall.

It was rather appropriate then that a marathon that started in Blackpool concluded with the 480th and final performance claiming a National Final invitation. All that was left was for Regional Secretary Kevin Williams and his outstanding team of London & Southern Counties volunteers who ran an excellent event, was to dismantle the adjudicator's tent for another year.

Two days of well supported friendly competition was played out in the Gordon Craig Theatre and the Main Hall of the Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, which provided a vibrant hub of musical activity, as well as a series of qualification performances that bode well for the long and short National Final trips to come.

Championship Section:

There were certainly not many seats left to be filled for an eagerly anticipated Championship Section contest, and especially for the arrival on stage of eventual champion Zone One Brass.

Directed by John Wilson, and with the likes of James Fountain on principal cornet, initial curiosity soon turned to lasting appreciation as the conductor moulded an authentically informed contest interpretation.

Aided not only by the sublime solo playing of the principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra, but of an ensemble (the majority with a brass band background) that also fully understood the requirements of Martin Ellerby's 'Elgar Variations', there was no needless virtuosity.

Instead, it was simply high-quality brass band playing with a tonal hint of orchestral colouring and a huge dollop of Elgarian understanding. The odd moment of messiness did filter through, but the truth of the matter, not surprisingly, was that it was a class apart.

Clear winner

Adjudicator Dr Robert Childs (joined by David Hirst) said in his pre-results remarks that it had been "a clear winner". Nobody could really disagree.

His opinion that there were "three, possibly four others" that had "structurally played the piece very well" wasn't a platitude to sooth well beaten rivals either. The battle for the second qualification spot between Sandhurst Silver (that final band), Wantage, East London Brass and Redbridge was also hallmarked with a quality that he said "stood in comparison" to what he had heard in the Midlands and North West.

The judges' concise written remarks also reinforced their findings: "A musical performance from start to finish. Bravo current. Bravo MD" wrote Bob, whilst David called it, "A performance full of character with nuances uncovered and an MD that understood the music".

Loved every minute

A little later as he celebrated with his players, 4BR asked John Wilson if he had enjoyed his return his return to the brass band contest work (in an earlier musical life he had been a percussionist with Ever Ready Band).

"I loved every minute of it — and it was such a great piece to work on," he said, before taking the opportunity to thank his players for their efforts, and to remind them that, "the drinks were on them..."

His principal cornet player (who deservedly won the award as 'Outstanding Cornet Player') took also spoke of his delight in being able to perform under him on a contest stage.

"I wouldn't have missed it for anything," James said. "I think we've all enjoyed the experience of being back, especially conducted by John. It was hard work and the pressure was on though!"

With the destination of the Championship Trophy comprehensively claimed for the third time in four years, the debate will perhaps now centre on just how well Zone One will do come the Albert Hall. A first top-six finish on their tenth appearance could well be on the cards.

Sandhurst pip rivals

For Sandhurst Silver, a debut top section appearance will have meant more than a few sore heads come Monday morning for Josh Ruck and his players, after a boldly structured account of energy and colour pushed through at the death to pip rivals.

And whilst the MD later admitted to feeling a little surprised, he also stated that his players did all he asked of them on stage (led by the superb 'Best Euphonium' John Storey). Since taking the baton just over a year ago their talented young MD has triggered a sustained upturn in contest fortunes. They will a band to watch out for at the Senior Trophy in May.

Wantage miss out

That exciting last band lunge for the tape meant that Welsh Open champion Wantage just missed out, as the Grand Shield contenders once again showed their consistency with a well-conceived performance (with a super 'Best Trom' section') under Chris King.

Defending champion East London Brass produced a fine defence of their title, just pockmarked by a few too many minor blemishes (but not by 'Best Horn', Mitchell Spence) as they finished fourth, whilst Redbridge Brass gave a persuasively bravura account to end fifth.

Two pre-contest favourites in Friary and Amersham will have left disappointed though. The former champion's 'Elgar' had far too many minor blemishes to have pushed for a podium finish, whilst Amersham's interpretation resonated with many in the hall, but not in the box.

Behind them the standard fell away, at times markedly so, with few complaints about outcomes.

First Section:

It was almost as if the blueprint for Zone One's success had been printed 24 hours earlier as Fulham Brass claimed the First Section title in impressive style.

On this occasion it was Alan Thomas, the former principal trumpet of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, who took the baton for a debut contesting success, whilst principal cornet Alice Godfrey and soprano Joel Newsome Hubbard claimed deserved instrumentalist prizes.

The band's commanding rendition of 'Variations on 'Was Lebet', "ticked about every box" and "had some magic moments, great consistency and musicality" according to adjudicator Steven Mead (joined by David Hirst) in his pre-results analysis.

Exhilarating

The duo were equally forthright in their written summaries: "Really exhilarating to listen to — I enjoyed this so much" wrote Steve, whilst David called it , "a very enjoyable performance with good technical detail and musicality. Well done to MD for producing a performance of merit."

Little wonder Fulham later said that they were "absolutely thrilled" to be crowned champions as they thanked their "amazing committee for their tireless work behind the scenes, to our MD Alan Thomas for guiding us to this incredible achievement."

They also said they cannot wait to represent the region at the National Final. On this form you could hear why.

Co-op Ager dividend

Joining them there for the first time since 2022 will be East of England Co-operative. They carried on the excellent progress made under MD Mark Ager as he used all his years of experience and nous to shape a finely judged rendition of stylish musicality.

It proved to be a close battle for the second qualification spot, reinforcing what Steve said had been "four performances we really enjoyed — all deserving a finals' place". Each had shown the "levels of consistency across the variations" in what had been a contesting of a "fantastic standard".

Nod

Unfortunately for their supporters, two controlled renditions from Wantage Concert Brass (built on a fine 'Best Bass Section') and Thundersley Brass, who on another day may just have found their interpretations getting the nod, just missed out.

Interestingly, the consistency of the musical execution of Melvin White's approach saw Thundersley just pip his other band of Tilbury, whilst the final top-six place went to Medway.

Andrew Wainwright's cleverly constructed piece certainly brought the best of out of the 14 competitors.

Although it was more basic structural errors and noticeable fragilities that separated the bands lower down the results table, those towards the top (and the podium finishers in particular) were arguably defined by their musical approaches — notably to the tricky, somewhat quirky waltz variation.

Second Section:

There was an equally impressive victory in the Second Section, as Staines Brass provided adjudicators Roger Argente and Jonathan Bates with an imposing quality early marker on Philip Harper's '20,000 Leagues under the Sea' that could not be beaten.

Led with impressive authority by MD Gareth Trott off the number 2 draw, it matched confidence and colour with accuracy and atmosphere to bring the exciting Jules Verne storyline to aquatic life.

The mark was made from the opening with their deep-sea 'Best Bass Section' settling the template that never once wavered in individual or collective confidence — the MD, a captain of musical nuance and style at the helm.

Very fine performance

"A very fine performance indeed", wrote Jonathan Bates, whilst Roger Argente called it a performance that had kept "concentration levels up" all the way to "a strong ending".

"That was great to read," Gareth later told 4BR as he proudly held the trophy as winning conductor. "We've been working hard, especially after giving the piece a run-out at the Oxfordshire contest. I'm really enjoying conducting the band. They are great people with such commitment and enthusiasm… and talent!"

The celebrations started straight away with band later stating on their Facebook page: "We only went and won!" It also means that they head to the National Final for the first time since 2012 as well as gaining promotion to the First Section in 2027.

Qualifiers

If that was well deserved, so too were the qualification places claimed by Lewes Brass and Jersey Premier Brass (with their 'Best Troms') who now also make the long trip north to York after a contest where Jonathan said, "the bands at the top gave exceptional performances" and Roger revealed that made things "really difficult".

Both captured the sense of filmatic sci-fi adventure of the mechanical and magical as the Nautilus submarine visited the Coral Kingdom and battled the squids and maelstroms in performances led by the informed direction of MDs Nathaniel Roff and Jason Mildren.

High standard

Behind them the "high standard" also made for enjoyable listening (with Philip Harper in the audience) as the competitors set out to capture the colourful styles of the music, aided by noted percussion and BBb bass playing.

Tendring Brass, Ware Brass and City of Norwich filled the remaining to-six places with solidly portrayed renditions, whilst it was the usual issues surrounding consistency, dynamic contrasts and tempo transitions that saw the rest fall into order for the judges.

Third Section:

If there is a band from the region to watch out at the National Finals then it will surely be Betteshanger Colliery.

Since returning to the contesting fold in 2024 under MD, Mike West, they have claimed a trio of consecutive Area titles (Fourth, Third and Second) as well as a National title (Fourth Section in 2024) and a second place finish last year (Third Section). On this form the Kent band will be confident of adding yet more silverware to their burgeoning trophy cabinet in York.

The quality of their winning rendition of 'Three Haworth Impressions', was marked, as Steven Mead (joined by Andrea Price) later told 4BR. Off the number 4 draw in a large 17 band field, it gave the duo a marker that would have been difficult to beat in any area let along those who followed them on in the Main Hall on Sunday afternoon.

Stand out

"It did stand out," Steve later told 4BR. "We enjoyed a number of well directed performances of a difficult test-piece, but there was confidence and control of the basics added to with some lovely, stylish music making."

That was evident in the atmospheric opening movement that had a dark brooding presence, followed by a wistful quirkiness to the 'The Three Bells' waltz and energised finale that ended in triumphant fashion.

Not for the first time (and potentially not the last) they said on their Facebook site: "What a weekend it's been for Betteshanger! Truly something special, and definitely something to be extremely proud of!"

Solid qualifiers

That was also the feeling for fellow qualifiers Epping Forest and Tadley Concert Brass as they secured their York places with performances of informed musicality and solid banding basics.

Epping Forest returned for the first time since 2019 as Keith Schroeter's band delivered a fine account, whilst Tadley in particular will have been thrilled after their number 1 draw rendition more than held its own under MD Paul Chapman to head to the National Finals for the second time in four years.

Elsewhere, an impressive early draw marker from Hemel Hempstead came fourth (after a last minute giggle around of personnel) ahead of well-directed accounts from Great Yarmouth Brass and Fairlop Brass.

Fourth Section:

A band with a name forever linked to the most famous of all National Final venues returned to the event for the first time in a decade, as Crystal Palace claimed the Fourth Section honours.

Conducted by Jim Lynch their performance of 'Indian Summer' was commended by judges Andrea Price and Jonathan Bates for its stylish musicality and command of solid banding basics against a strong field of rivals.

Their first ever Area win was added to by excellent contributions from cornet and euphonium players Alan Hall and Paul Miller in a rendition described as "atmospheric, soloistic and shapely."

Fantastic result

A delighted band celebrated with the trophy and winner's banner as they thanked their inspirational MD for "his focus and dedication" in preparing them for the contest and achieving "such a fantastic result".

Also celebrating was fellow qualifiers Brighton & Hove City (possibly the only time that to bands sharing their names with current Premiership football clubs have triumphed at the contest).

Their stylish rendition under Rom Stanko was also aided by 'Best Instrumentalist' award winner Liz Price on cornet as they qualified for a trip to the National Final for the first time since 2014.

City of Oxford made up the qualification trio as they set the early marker off the number 5 draw led by Douglas Brown. There were also solidly portrayed accounts from a number of bands, with the remaining top-six places going to City of Colchester, Hadstock and Pangbourne & District Silver.

Key to success

Eric Ball's test-piece may well be over 75 years old, but it still showed that command of good basic banding attributes were the key to success — something both judges remarked upon.

The best were able to display a sense of nobility to the opening movement, 'The Great Chief Speaks', contrasted by the calm reflection of 'By the Cool Waters', an energised 'Totem Dance' and triumphant 'Hymn to the Great Spirit'.

The judges commended all the bands for their performances, noting that each had emerged with credit, despite the obvious challenges with intonation and balance at times.

Iwan Fox

I loved every minute of it — and it was such a great piece to work onJohn Wilson, MD, Zone One Brass

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicators: Robert Childs; David Hirst

1. Zone One Brass (John Wilson)*
2. Sandhurst Silver (Joshua Ruck)*
3. Wantage (Chris King)
4. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
5. Redbridge Brass (Chris Bearman)
6. Friary Band (John Ward)
7. Amersham (Paul Fisher)
8. Haverhill Silver (Paul Filby)
9. Regent Brass (Alan Duguid)
10. Hitchin (Andrew Kershaw)
11. Kidlington Concert Brass (Jonathan Pippen)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Cornet: James Fountain (Zone One Brass)
Best Trombone Section: Wantage
Best Euphonium: John Storey (Sandhurst)
Best Horn: Mitchell Spence (East London Brass)

First Section:

Adjudicators: David Hirst; Steven Mead
Test Piece: Variations on 'Was Lebet' (Andrew Wainright)

1. Fulham (Alan Thomas)*
2. East of England Co-op (Mark Ager)*
3. Wantage Concert Brass (Daniel Hall)
4. Thundersley Brass (Melvin White)
5. Tilbury (Melvin White)
6. Medway (Alan Gifford)
7. Bedford Town (Craig Patterson)
8. St. Sebastian Wokingham (John Watts)
9. Epsom & Ewell (Tariq Ahmed)
10. Cawston (Leigh Sharpe)
11. Horsham Borough (Will Wilkins)
12. City of Cambridge (Phillip Fisher)
13. Egham (Gareth Green)
14. Chinnor Silver (Chris Andrews)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Principal Cornet: Alice Godfrey (Fulham)
Best Soprano: Joel Newsome Hubbard (Fulham)
Best Bass Section: Wantage Concert Brass

Second Section:

Adjudicators: Jonathan Bates; Roger Argente
Test Piece: 20,000 Leagues under the Sea (Philip Harper)

1. Staines Brass (Gareth Trott)*
2. Lewes Brass (Nathaniel Roff)*
3. Jersey Premier Brass (Jason Mildren)*
4. Tendring Brass (David Rowland)
5. Ware Brass (Jonathan Lockwood)
6. City of Norwich (Robin Norman)
7. Alder Valley Brass (David Hamilton)
8. Waterbeach Brass (David Minchin)
9. Amersham Concert Brass (Malcolm Peach)
10. Putney & Wimbledon (Sam Topp)
11. Welwyn Garden City (William Douglas)
12. Grimsdyke Brass (William Barnes-McCallum)
13. Soham Comrades (David Minchin)
14. Littleport (Robert Nunnery)
15. Chiltern Hills Brass (Gordon Davies)
16. Oxford Cherwell Brass (Danny Dullforce)
17. Olney Brass (Philip Devine)

* Qualify for National Final

Winning Conductor Len Smith Trophy: Gareth Trott (Staines)
Best Basses: Staines Brass
Best Trombones: Jersey Premier Brass

Third Section:

Adjudicators: Andrea Price; Steven Mead
Test Piece: Three Haworth Impressions (Gordon Langford)

1. Betteshanger Colliery (Mike West)*
2. Epping Forest (Kevin Schroeter)*
3. Tadley Concert Brass (Paul Chapman)*
4. Hemel Hempstead (Dan Shave)
5. Great Yarmouth Brass (Colin Swaep)
6. Fairlop Brass (Kevin Jordan)
7. Yiewsley & West Drayton (Christopher Cole)
8. Chichester City (Alfie Hughes)
9. Watford (Ian Graves)
10. Hangleton (Richard Baker)
11. Cobham (Ben Miller)
12. Simon Langton Brass (David Lockwood)
13. Godalming (James Haigh)
14. Hungerford Town (Tim Crouter)
15. Bradwell Silver (Brian Keech)
16. Jubilee Brass (Oxford) (Clifford Sadler)
17. Cold Ash Brass (Ian Walshaw)

* Qualify for National Final

Fourth Section:

Adjudicators: Andrea Price; Jonathan Bates
Test Piece: Indian Summer (Eric Ball)

1. Crystal Palace (Jim Lynch)*
2. Brighton & Hove City Brass (Rom Stanko)*
3. City of Oxford (Douglas Brown)*
4. City of Colchester (Jayne Barnes)
5. Hadstock Silver (Tomos Morgan)
6. Pangbourne & District Silver (Stewart Lewins)
7. Regent Community Brass (Simon Tong)
8. Letchworth Garden City (Tim Welch)
9. Cottenham (Peter Mackley)
10. Woodbridge Excelsior (Alan Duguid)
11. Witney Town (Guy James)
12. Royston Town (Steve Earley)
13. Dereham (Tony Hampton)
14. Abbey Brass (Neil Brownless)
15. Wantage Academy (Gavin Clemons)
16. Reading Spring Gardens (Stephen Buckell)
17. Patcham Silver (James Benka-Coker)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Instrumentalist: Liz Price (cornet) Brighton & Hove City Brass
Best Bass Section: Woodbridge Excelsior
Youngest Player: Witney Town