Dobcross Youth Brass Band wins awards at National Championships 2026

Dobcross Youth Brass Band has brought home a trio of achievements from the National Youth Brass Band Championships, with all three of their bands competing at the prestigious event in Birmingham. A total of 78 young musicians aged between seven and 18 represented the village, making up part of a record-breaking field of 42 bands from across the UK.

The competition, held at King Edward School on March 28 and organized by Brass Band England, saw Dobcross's training band earn a silver certificate of achievement, while the youth band secured bronze. Band secretary Jenny Wood praised the young performers, noting that many were competing for the first time, including several debut soloists.

Wood described the event as 'remarkable as ever' and said the children had 'a wonderful time' performing. The success marks another milestone for the village's long-standing brass band tradition, which has nurtured generations of young musicians.

Looking ahead, the Dobcross Youth bands will take the adjudicators' feedback into their preparations for Whit Friday, the famous annual brass band contest that takes place in Saddleworth on May 29. The competition will see bands marching through local villages, continuing a tradition that draws thousands of spectators to the area each year.