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History of the British Open Brass Band Championship

The British Open Championship retains an iconic status throughout the brass band world.

First held in 1853 at the Belle Vue Gardens in Manchester, it has continued, almost uninterrupted ever since, moving to its present home at Symphony Hall, Birmingham in 1998.

Inspired by an ethos of musical excellence and entrepreneurial innovation it has maintained a unique appeal – from the provision of special trains, which in 1899 saw 76 excursion day trips to the contest, to the advent of live-stream broadcasting, which now sees brass band lovers throughout the world enjoy the performances from the comfort of their home. Symphony Hall Birmingham continues to provide a state of the art venue for performances with vibrant surroundings for the audience to enjoy.

The Early Years: Iconic Bands and Rising Stars

The event has been synonymous with famous banding names – none more so than the Mortimer family (see right – with Rex, Harry, Fred and Alex), who under Martin and Karyn Mortimer have followed in the footsteps of founder John Jennison to become proud custodians of the British Open and Spring Festival Championships.

That association stretches back to 1888 when Henry Mortimer (the father of Fred, grandfather to Harry, Alex and Rex, and great grandfather to Martin) played the baritone for winners Wyke Temperance, who retained the title the following year and became the first holders of the Belle Vue Challenge Cup.

Other legendary performers have also made their indelible mark – from the inaugural winners, Mossley Temperance Saxhorn Band, to the record title holder Black Dyke Band who have been crowned Champions on 30 occasions.

Legendary conductors have graced the contest stage too, although it remains unlikely that anyone will emulate the great John Gladney who directed no fewer than 20 winning performances between 1873 and 1904.

Global Recognition and International Competitors

Whilst the Open is a traditionally British event , the global significance of the contest was ignited in 1924, when the Newcastle Steel Works Band from Australia became the first holder of the now, equally iconic British Open Challenge Shield.

In 1953, the feat was replicated by the National Band of New Zealand, whilst following the invitation to European bands in 2016, the trophy has left UK shores to be proudly displayed in the Swiss band halls of Valaisia Brass Band (2017) and Brass Band Treize Etoiles (2024).

From Belle Vue (1853 – 1981) to the Free Trade Hall (1982 – 1995), Bridgewater Hall (1996) to Symphony Hall (1997 to date) the British Open has seen contest reputations defined on music that continues to attract ‘sold out’ audiences year after year. This has included timeless classics such as ‘Pageantry’ and ‘A Downland Suite’ to the more contemporary explorations embraced by ‘Spectrum’ and ‘Fireworks’, the contemporary audience favourites of recent years in ‘Fraternity’ and ‘Sand and Stars’ alongside new works from British and international composers. The choice of music that challenges the bands whilst entertaining the audience remains a key priority to make the contest day one to remember.

A Lasting Tradition

It is the performers though that remain the lifeblood of an event that has continued to evolve from the Victorian era when the results were printed on special broadsheet newspapers for visitors to take home with them after the contest, to the almost instantaneous publishing of the full results via the internet.

After 172 years, some names may now only be found as entries in the British Open record books. However as the most prestigious brass band contest in the world, built on a unique heritage and a family ethos that will secure its future for generations to come, there will be many others hoping to follow in their footsteps.

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