The British Open always throws up a few odd statistical anomalies and points of historical discussion — including the odd coincidence between two formidable reigning champions in football and brass banding.

The link

So what does link Arsenal with Brighouse & Rastrick?

The answer is that you have to go back to the 1930s for the last time they successful defended their titles.

Winning the British Open is one thing — successfully defending it the following year, quite another — and quite something else to do the hat-trick and more.

Arsenal

Arsenal won the Premiership last year under Mikel Arteta — their first triumph since 2004 and their 14th in all.

However, the last time they successfully defended the title was 1934, going on to make it a hat-trick the following year under the command of the legendary Herbert Chapman.

Brighouse & Rastrick

Meanwhile, Brighouse & Rastrick won their second title in four years in 2025 under Prof David King and their eighth overall.

However, they also have to go back in the record books to 1934 for the last time they defended their title — also going on to make it four in row in 1936 after being barred in 1935 under the equally legendary William Halliwell.

Will history repeat itself this year then?

Tickets:

Tickets for the 2026 British Open:
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/the-172nd-british-open-brass-band-championship