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The Champions of Brass

Hannah reveals the winners of the 2026 National Brass Band Championships which took place this weekend and finds out what it takes to be the best.

Hannah reveals the winners of the 2026 National Brass Band Championships and finds out what it takes to be the best. Desford Colliery take us behind their bandroom as the winners of last year’s contest. They look back on the competition, and play their winning performance for us. Plus hear Black Dyke’s sprint finish at the Proms, music from Philip Sparke, and a piece inspired by an imagined ballet.

Throughout the series, composer and ex-Youth Bander Hannah Peel plays a mix of inspiring brass music from across the globe, and meets today’s passionate banders as she goes behind their bandrooms.

Producer: Olivia Swift
Executive Producer: Philip Tagney
A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

59 minutes

On air

Today 21:15
BBC Radio 3

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New Beginnings

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It’s Judgement Time

See all episodes from Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

Music Played

  • Judith Bingham

    Four Minute Mile

    Performer: Black Dyke Band.
    • COPY CON.

  • Joseph Horovitz

    Ballet for Band

    Performer: Cory Band.
    • Doyen.

  • Herbert Howells

    Pageantry i. King's Herald

    Performer: Brighouse and Rastrick Band.
    • Doyen.

  • Edward Gregson

    Symphony In Two Movements

    Performer: Desford Colliery Band.
    • World of Brass.

  • Simon Van Hoecke

    Fantasia on a Flemish Sea Song

    Performer: Brass Band Willebroek. Performer: Lode Violet.
    • World of Brass.

  • Philip Sparke

    Sambezi for Trombone & Brass Band

    Performer: Peter Moore. Conductor: Ian Porthouse. Ensemble: Tredegar Band.
    • Chandos.

Broadcast

  • Today 21:15
    BBC Radio 3