The 172nd British Open Brass Band Championship
Experience two of the world’s most iconic brass band events for less than
£2.50
pm
(Annual Fee)
The 172nd British Open Brass Band Championship
- DATE Saturday 12th September 2026
- VENUE Symphony Hall, Birmingham
- TICKETSOn sale now — all tickets booked directly through B:Music.
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About The British Open Event
The British Open Championship is renowned as the world’s most prestigious brass band competition. The origins date back to 1853 when the first contest took place at Belle Vue, Manchester.
Now in its 172nd year, the event is the pinnacle of musical excellence, its reputation built on years of tradition and quality from world class bands on challenging and exciting repertoire.
Now held at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, ‘The Open’ as it is known throughout the world remains an iconic competition, attracting bands from all corners of the brass band globe.
Looking for somewhere to stay during The British Open?
Please see a full listing on our Hotels page.
2026 Test Piece: An Important Choice To Make
Excitement is already building ahead of the 2026 British Open Brass Band Championship, as the world’s leading bands prepare to meet one of the most demanding—and rewarding—musical challenges in the calendar.
The choice of test piece plays a pivotal role in defining the contest: it must stretch the performers at the very highest level while giving audiences a compelling day of drama, emotion, and beauty. Recent selections such as Brussels Requiem, Sand and Stars, and the 2025 new commission Star Crossed Lovers have set a high standard—continuing the Open’s tradition of pairing musical ambition with audience appeal.
British Open 2026 Test Piece:
Music of the Spheres
(Philip Sparke)
Philip Sparke’s Music of the Spheres has been confirmed as the test piece for the 172nd British Open Championship, to be held at Symphony Hall on Saturday 12 September 2026.
In his 75th birthday year, it will also mark the first time a work by Philip Sparke has been used at the British Open. The Mortimer family have spoken of their delight that he accepted their invitation, noting the admiration his music enjoys among performers and listeners alike—and their belief that it will provide an outstanding test for the competing bands, as well as a wonderful listening experience for audiences in the hall and around the world.
British Open Championship Artistic Advisor Dr Robert Childs added that the work remains an era-defining composition and a superb test of the musical credentials of elite bands seeking to be crowned British Open Champion.
About Music of the Spheres
Music of the Spheres was commissioned by the Yorkshire Building Society Band for use as their own-choice selection at the 2004 European Championship in Glasgow. The work reflects the composer’s fascination with the origins of the universe and deep space, drawing its title from a theory attributed to Pythagoras—that the cosmos is governed by the same ratios that underpin musical harmony.
The piece opens with a horn solo titled t = 0 (a reference to the moment of the Big Bang), before moving through sections that explore vast cosmic ideas and imagery—from The Lonely Planet and the search for other civilisations, to the energy and danger of Asteroids and Shooting Stars. It concludes with The Unknown, leaving open the question of where humanity’s exploration might ultimately lead.
2026 Competing Bands
2026 Competing Bands
- Aldbourne
- Amersham
- Black Dyke
- Brighouse & Rastrick
- Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
- Cory
- EverReady
- Flowers
- Foden's
- Grimethorpe Colliery
- Hammonds
- KNDS Fairey
- Leyland
- Sydney City Brass
- the cooperation band
- Tredegar
- Brass Band Willebroek
- Milnrow
- Hepworth
