On Saturday 9th September, Foden's travelled to the Symphony Hall, Birmingham to compete at the 169th British Open Championships. The 'Open' is regarded as one of the leading Brass Band Contests in the World which attracts an extremely strong line up of bands including an overseas guest.
This year, 18 bands all performed the set work 'Sand and Stars' by Thierry Deleruyelle. This exceptionally difficult work placed demanding challenges on all band members lasting 20 minutes. Despite these challenges, the work proved a popular choice amongst those competing and the 1500 plus audience.
Following the announcement of the results Foden's were crowned the British Open Champions (our first at this Contest since 2012) and now receive an invitation to represent England at the European Championships in Norway 2025.
Foden's are also the Double National Champions, a title won at the Royal Albert Hall, London in 2018, 2021,2022. In October the band will be hoping for an historic Hattrick!
Test Piece: 'Sand and Stars' (Thierry Deleruyelle)
Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs, Dr Stephen Cobb, Stephen Roberts
1. Foden's (Russell Gray)
2. Valaisia Brass (Arsene Duc)
3. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
4. Grimethorpe Colliery (Michael Bach)
5. Black Dyke (Prof Nicholas J. Childs)
6. Cory (Philip Harper)
7. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof David King)
8. Flowers (Paul Holland)
9. Hammonds (Morgan Griffiths)
10. WFEL Fairey (Philip Chalk)
11. Whitburn (Luc Vertommen)
12. Aldbourne (Ivan Meylemans)
13. Desford Colliery (Allan Withington)
14. the cooperation band (David Morton)
15. Hepworth (Ryan Watkins)
16. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
17. Leyland (Thomas Wyss)
18. Northop Silver (Gareth Brindle)
Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy: Gary Curtin (Foden's)
Brian Evans Memorial Trophy for Best Soprano: Richard Poole (Foden's)
The Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy for Best Euphonium: Glenn van Looy (Valaisia)