HISTORY

Origins & Pre-1945

The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain trace their origins to the dawn of the 20th century and remain the cornerstone of brass banding tradition in the United Kingdom.

In 1900, inspired by the burgeoning brass band movement and determined to create a truly national contest, John Henry Iles firstly organised the inaugural National Band Festival at London's Royal Albert Hall (20 January), then established the first National Brass Band Championship at Crystal Palace, London (21 July) as part of the International Music Exhibition. The event was conceived to showcase the very best bands from across the country and elevate contesting to a new level of artistic and organisational excellence. The early Championships quickly became a highlight of the cultural calendar. 

From 1900 until 1936, the contest was held at Crystal Palace, attracting large fields of competing bands and enthusiastic audiences. After the destruction of Crystal Palace by fire in 1936, the Championships moved to Alexandra Palace, where they continued until the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 brought the series to a temporary halt. 

1945 onwards

The present-day National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain was established in 1945, when The Daily Herald sponsored the event at the Royal Albert Hall, pledging cash prizes, trophies, and the donation of profits to charity. Organised by Edwin Vaughan Morris MBE, the Championships adopted a national qualifying structure, with Lower Section Finals held at Belle Vue, Manchester.

Rapid growth followed. Venue capacity pressures led to the Finals being staged at Earl’s Court in 1952, and in 1954 all four sections were held in London on the same day for the first time. In 1955, the Championships received Royal Patronage, affirming their national importance.

The 1960s and 1970s were a period of organisational change. Ownership and administration evolved, reflecting the expanding scale and profile of the event.

Following financial instability in the early 1980s, Boosey & Hawkes assumed ownership in 1981, securing the Championships’ future. The Royal Albert Hall was re-established as a central stage, with all sections appearing there during the 1980s. Structural refinements continued, including the introduction of the 1st Section in 1992 and wider geographical hosting of the 

Sections 1-4 National Finals.

From 2002, Kapitol Promotions Ltd took responsibility for administering the National Finals, with Regional Committees in charge of organising their regional events. Today, the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain remain the pinnacle of brass band contesting - defined by tradition, safeguarded through careful stewardship, and rooted in a heritage that continues to shape the movement.