On the 31st January Foden's travelled to Armagh, Northern Ireland for a weekend of musical activities! As in previous years the band worked with a number of soloists in a master class situation. Eager performers were given the opportunity to perform a solo, accompanied by the band, with the relevant Foden's principal player giving constructive spoken feedback as well as addressing the large audience consisting of parents, teachers and supporters. The afternoon session was concluded with a number of massed items, where the soloists, teachers and supporters joined ranks with Foden's. In the evening Foden's performed an entertaining concert to a large and enthusiastic audience which featured their fine array of soloists as well as 'Cassius: The Rumble in the Jungle' from their 2024 Brass in Concert Set. The programme also included the World premier of ‘Lift High The Cross’ by Jonathan Bates, commissioned by the Armagh Brass Band Summer School to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church (where the concert was held). All at Foden's thank Ivor Stevenson MBE and his hard working team for their hospitality on this 24th visit! Plans are already in replace for a return trip in 2026. 

On Friday 24th January Foden's once again opened the prestigious '2025 International Brass Band Festival' The RNCM International Brass Band Festival remains a premier stage for the world’s leading brass band musicians, celebrating the finest repertoire crafted for the genre. Under the artistic direction of Dr David Thornton, the festival once again embraced both innovative new compositions and celebrated legacy works, a commitment that resonated throughout this year’s programme. A highlight of the 2025 festival was the celebration of Professor Edward Gregson’s 80th birthday. An award-winning English composer, Gregson has made a profound impact on the wind and brass repertoire. The festival took a journey through his works, from his earliest compositions to his latest piece, Three Gods: Concerto for tenor horn, premièred by Belgian virtuoso Tim De Maeseneer and Foden's. The Festival also welcomed the Athena Brass Band (an all American Female Brass Band) as well as Foden's, Black Dyke, Tredegar, Brighouse and Rastrick, Cory, RNCM Band, RNCM Junior School Band and Macclesfield Youth.  Foden's Programme Paul Mealor Fantasia on a Theme of Purcell Edward Gregson Tenor Horn Concerto: Three Gods (world première) Elgar Howarth Fireworks David Stanhope A Leadsman, a Lady and a Lord Elisabeth Vannebo Elektrodesign (UK première) John McCabe Cloudcatcher Fells Interview with Michael Fowles prior to the concert - https://shorturl.at/1U0ZQ 4Barsrest concert review - https://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con861.asp