We were proud to represent the Midlands at the Finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, held in Cheltenham on Sunday 14 September 2025. Competing against some of the finest brass bands from across the country, the band delivered a strong performance that earned us a well-deserved 6th place finish in our section.
The Championships are one of the most prestigious events in the brass band calendar, drawing bands from all over the United Kingdom who have qualified through regional contests earlier in the year. Representing both Brackley and the wider community, we took to the stage at Cheltenham Racecourse to perform the set testpiece ‘Partita’ by Edward Gregson, hoping that all the rehearsals and practice would come together on the day and result in a performance that would catch the attention of the three adjudicators.
Conductor Mark Probert said:
“I am delighted for everyone associated with Brackley & District Band. Members of the band have worked hard over the past couple of months, juggling additional rehearsals with personal commitments, to ensure that they were well prepared and feeling confident ahead of the contest. They performed with great control on stage and I think some of them even enjoyed the experience too!”
Band Chairman Nigel Surman said:
“To even get to the Finals of the National Championships of Great Britain is a tremendous achievement in its own right. To then be awarded 6th place in the country, and the honour of top Midlands band is a truly remarkable result. It is a result of a lot of hard work by Band members, led by our inspirational and dedicated Musical Director, Mark Probert. Never an easy path, it has nevertheless been made much more enjoyable by his efforts, and those of Band members encouraging and supporting each other to make this truly a team result. We are now looking forward to a concert with the world-famous GUS band before starting our winter programme of fun activities leading up to a return to Bedworth next year and the chance to improve on last year’s third place. New members to join us on this journey are always welcome, either in the main Band or our Development Band.”
The band would like to extend a big thank you to local businesses, supporters, and the Brackley community, whose encouragement and generosity made the journey to Cheltenham possible. Fundraising efforts in the run-up to the event ensured that the band could be fully prepared to perform at its best for this prestigious contest. In particular we'd like to acknowledge the support from Hydramex Limited who funded the acquisition of our new band polo shirts and other local businesses including Paragon Tool Hire, 20 Arches, The Bell Inn in Adderbury, Butcher's Arms in Kings Sutton who all made a financial contribution towards our efforts.
For more information about the band, upcoming events, or how to get involved, visit www.brackleyband.org.uk or search for Brackley & District Band on Facebook.