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Foden's Band

Over 120 years of musical excellence

Welcome to the Foden's Band Website

Foden's Band was formed in 1902 as part of the Foden's Motor Works.

The band have been based in Sandbach, Cheshire since its formation and are the current 'Number 1 ranked Brass Band in the World'

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10am Contest - North West Area, Blackpool

2pm Concert - Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton

6:30pm Concert - Sandbach School

Foden's crowned the North West Area Champions for the 10th consecutive year!

By Mark Wilkinson • March 2, 2026

On Sunday 1st March Foden's competed at the 'North West Area' contest held at the Winter Gardens Blackpool. The UK is split into various 'regions' and the top two placed bands at each regional contest is invited to represent their 'region' at the National Finals, held at the Royal Albert Hall London in October. . Foden's competed against 11 other bands performing the set test piece 'Elgar Variations' by Martin Ellerby, being subsequently announced as the Champions for the tenth consecutive year also winning the prize for the best Principal Cornet Test piece: Elgar Variations (Martin Ellerby) Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs; Gavin Saynor 1. Foden's (Russell Gray)* 2. KNDS Fairey (Phil Chalk)* 3. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Thomas Wyss) 4. Freckleton (John Atkinson) 5. Leyland (Daniel Brooks) 6. Milnrow (Christopher Binns) 7. Wardle Anderson Brass (Jamie Cooper) 8. Boarshurst Silver (Martyn Evans) 9. Rainford (Adam DJ Taylor) 10. Whitworth Vale & Healey (Mike Golding) 11. Acceler8 (Jef Sparkes) Best Cornet: Mark Wilkinson (Foden's) *Qualify for National Final

Celebrating 30 years of service - John Barber

By Mark Wilkinson • February 23, 2026

Last weekend saw Foden's make a welcome return to Burton Town Hall, where they were delighted to mark a very special milestone. During the concert, a presentation was made to their outstanding and every-loyal Solo Trombone, John Barber, in recognition of his remarkable 30 years of dedicated service to Foden's!

Howard Snell becomes an 'Honorary Vice President'

By Mark Wilkinson • February 17, 2026

All at Foden's are delighted that Howard Snell has accepted their offer to become an 'Honorary Vice President' of the band. Howard needs no introduction to the world of brass bands — or indeed to the wider musical community. His distinguished career as a conductor, performer and educator has left an indelible mark on the brass band movement, both nationally and internationally. He is, of course, a very special figure in the history of Foden’s Band. His leadership and musical influence during his time with the Band contributed significantly to their artistic development and success, and his continued association with Foden’s is something held in the highest regard.