Posted: 09/03/26
Derwent Brass has secured qualification for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, following a strong performance at the Midland Regional Championships.
Performing Martin Ellerby’s Elgar Variations, the band delivered a performance that drew praise from the adjudicators, with Dr Robert Childs describing it as “A super musical performance.”
The contest, adjudicated by Dr Robert Childs and Andrea Price, was won by the GUS Band, with Desford Colliery in second place. Derwent Brass secured third place to qualify for the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2026.
This marks a significant milestone for the band, with Derwent Brass qualifying for the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall for the first time in its history.
Musical Director Jack Capstaff commented:
“I’m incredibly proud of the performance and what the band has achieved. It reflects a huge amount of hard work and commitment from the players, and to secure qualification to the Royal Albert Hall is a fantastic moment for everyone involved.”
The result provides further evidence of the band's continued improvement, delivering a highly musical and controlled performance, marked by nuance and maturity in a performance that drew wider praise for its musicality and overall quality.
This latest result also marks the band’s fourth consecutive third-place finish at the Midland Regional Championships, alongside recent success including victory at the LBBA Open, underlining the consistency and development of the group.
The band has also been grateful for the support and encouragement received following the result, reflecting the strength of the wider Derwent Brass community.
Attention now turns to the band’s upcoming performances, with preparations underway for ConsTest on 11th April, followed by an evening concert at Derby Cathedral in collaboration with Russell Watson, celebrating 25 years of the UK’s best-selling classical artist.
