British Open Brass Band Championship 2025

The cooperation band is delighted to share that we secured 7th place at this year’s British Open Brass Band Championship, held at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on Stephen Roberts’ compelling test piece Star Crossed Lovers.

This year’s contest brought together the very best brass bands from across the UK and Europe, all judged by Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston, and David Hirst. We are proud to have continued our strong record at the Open, achieving a top-eight finish for the third time in the past four years – a reflection of the dedication, teamwork, and artistry of every member of the band.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported us in the hall – your encouragement makes all the difference. Special recognition also goes to our outstanding soloists, and to our Musical Director, Katrina Marzella-Wheeler, for her leadership and inspiration in preparing the band for this world-class contest.

Results

Test Piece: Star Crossed Lovers (Stephen Roberts)
Adjudicators: Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston, David Hirst

1. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof. David King) *
2. Brass Band Treize Etoiles (Frédéric Théodoloz)
3. Cory (Philip Harper)
4. Foden’s (Russell Gray)
5. Aldbourne (Glyn Williams)
6. Leyland (Daniel Brooks)
7. the cooperation band (Katrina Marzella-Wheeler)
8. KNDS Fairey (Philip Chalk)
9. Flowers (Paul Holland)
10. Whitburn (Luc Vertommen) **
11. Hammonds (Morgan Griffiths)
12. Grimethorpe Colliery (Michael Bach)
13. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
14. Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins) **
15. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Allan Withington)
16. Black Dyke (Prof. Nicholas Childs)
17. EverReady (David Morton)
18. Amersham (Paul Fisher)

Special Awards

• Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy: Tom Hutchinson (Cornet – Cory)
• Brian Evans Memorial Trophy for Best Soprano: Ashley Marston (Brighouse & Rastrick)
• Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy for Best Euphonium: Chris Robertson (Brighouse & Rastrick)
• Phillip McCann Trophy for Best Cornet: Tom Hutchinson (Cory)

* Brighouse & Rastrick will receive an invitation from Brass Bands England to represent England at the 2027 European Championships in Montreux, Switzerland.
** Oldham Band (Lees) and Whitburn are relegated to the Grand Shield.

Looking Ahead

Congratulations to Brighouse & Rastrick on their fantastic victory at this most prestigious event. For us, attention now turns to our next exciting challenge: performing on the iconic stage of the Royal Albert Hall. We cannot wait to share more music with you there!