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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2pm Concert - Burton Town Hall

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12pm Concert - Malvern Theatre

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4pm Contest - Whit March Contest

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6:30pm Concert - Sandbach Town Hall, Sandbach

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7:30pm Concert - Victoria Hall, Hanley

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5pm Concert - Gawsworth Hall, Macclesfield

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7pm Concert - St Mary Church, Stafford

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By Your Smart Website June 23, 2025
On Friday 20 th June, Foden's Band returned to the fantastic Victoria Hall, Hanley for a night of Community Music, sharing the stage with their fantastic Youth Band and Community Choirs - Alsager Community Choir, Dougie Mac Choir, Endon Community Choir, Fulford Community Choir & Ovation! Foden's Youth performed a number of 'extended' works under Musical Directors Mark Bousie & Mike Fowles with some truly outstanding solo playing in the first half, before the audience were treated to the Choir contributions under the direction of Dan Hollingshurst In the second half, Foden's revisited ‘CASSIUS: The Rumble in the Jungle’ set before bringing over 200 musicians together for a massed performance of ‘Make Your Own Kind of Music!' Thanks to sponsors Joseph Lymer & Son, and Horne Brothers for helping create such a memorable evening of music making!
By Mark Wilkinson June 18, 2025
On Thursday 12th June, Foden's were delighted to host Milwaukee Festival Brass from America who travelled to the UK to compete at the Saddleworth Whit Friday Marches. The band, under the direction of Dr Mark A Taylor, rehearsed in Foden's bandroom with Foden's MD Michael Fowles on their contest March, as well as concert items for their performance with Linthwaite Band whilst in England. Founded in 1985, Milwaukee Festival Brass are made up of volunteer brass and percussion players from all over Southeastern Wisconsin using traditional British Brass Band instruments.
By Mark Wilkinson June 17, 2025
From the first Whit Friday Marches in 1884, the event has grown in popularity. On Friday 13th June over 100 brass bands participated in twenty different contests at venues scattered around the areas of Tameside and Saddleworth. At each venue, bands march to a central location where they perform a contest march which is judged by an adjudicator. Foden's played the popular march 'The President' conducted by Michael Fowles. After this the band members get back on their coach, travel to the next village where they repeat the same procedure again! The contests are open to all-comers, so the local youth bands get to match their skills against the UK's top bands. For the players, the dash from contest to contest makes for an exhilarating (though exhausting) evening. Thousands of spectators travel to Saddleworth and Tameside to watch was it commonly called 'the greatest free show in the world'. Each contest offers prizes for the best band, best youth band, best soloists with each venue attracting between 50 - 70 bands. Each contest is organised by local volunteers with the running costs and prize money being raised by local donations, sponsorship and fund-raising events. At the end of the night (each contest has its own finish time which is usually around 11pm) the adjudicator announces the results. To qualify for the overall prize i.e. the Champion of Tameside or Saddleworth, bands must compete at a minimum of 6 venues and the band that has the best results takes the overall prize. This year Foden's competed at all 11 venues in Tameside starting at 4pm. Following the announcement of the results Foden's were crowned the 'Tameside Whit Friday Champions' for the 21st time in 22 years. In Tameside Foden's were placed 1st at 8 venues as well as receiving a 3 rd place and numerous individual awards.
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FUNDING

Meet the band

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Galleries

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Foden's Shop

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We believe.

Foden's band maintains a world class reputation for providing entertainment in the field of brass music with a tradition and unique style

Mark Wilkinson