UniBrass will be presenting a one-of-a-kind Gala Concert to close out the day, headlined by world-famous trumpeter Louis Dowdeswell, alongside the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1 Brass Band, in an exciting evening of music, including live band ‘Rock the Mike’ with UniBrass alumnus, Alex Walton, on kit!
This is going to be an amazing and unique concert showcasing a whole range of musical talent and styles, including brass banding classics, live pop music, and astounding trumpet solos! Look forward to hearing pieces ranging from PLC’s When Thunder Calls and classic pop crowdpleasers like Mr. Brightside to Louis Dowdeswell, performing with Cardiff M1 and Rock the Mike, to bring you Give it One and Into the Unknown! This is just a sneak preview of what is coming your way. The programme is stacked with much more music, so get your tickets now.
This is a Gala Concert featuring the best of local and international talent all in one room at the ICC Wales this Valentine’s Day! Tickets are available from https://bit.ly/unibrass2026
The annual inter-university entertainment contest throughout the day will feature 22 university brass band ensembles, including Newcastle, who are making their debut. The performances will start from around 10:30 with two sections taking place at the same time. Audience members get access to both the Trophy and Shield sections with their tickets. The Contest is also being live-streamed, and tickets are available from unibrass.co.uk/watch
The Trophy section is being adjudicated by Paul Holland and Tracey Redfern, while the Shield section is being adjudicated by Lauren Chinn and Chris Thomas. The bands are not only competing to be section champions, but there are many other prizes up for grabs, from Best Percussion Section and Best Solo or Feature to Best Student Composition or Arrangement and Best Student Conductor. With so many prizes up for grabs, we cannot wait to see what the bands have in store for us.
There is also so much more to the day! In our trade and exhibition area, you can meet ABRSM, Wessex Tubas, Blossom Hill Cards, and our very own merch stall, where you can purchase something to remember the day by.
The Brass Band Conductors’ Association will also be watching the contest again this year and providing feedback sessions to the conductors who have asked for this opportunity. We are glad to have BBCA involved once more for another contest. Helping the next generation of conductors improve their skills and confidence.
ABRSM and Brookwright Music Publishers have expressed their support for the Best Student Conductor award and Best Student Composition or Arrangement award, respectively. We are pleased to have the support of so many people and organisations in delivering fantastic opportunities to our young musicians. Nurturing the next generation of talent is what the UniBrass Foundation is all about!
Check out our programmes, available on the day, for a round-up of everything going on at UniBrass and our upcoming events, as well as our thanks to all of our supporters this year and looking to the future. But, of course, this event couldn’t happen without our amazing audience and the support you give to your friends, family, and bandmates. You can book your tickets for the Contest at bit.ly/unibrass2026 and also get a discount when you purchase Gala and Contest tickets together!
The Contest day will be rounded off by a Results Ceremony opened by the South Wales Youth Band. We are really looking forward to their return and hope you will give them all your amazing support! Then we move to the Gala concert, which is a can-not-miss, unique event!
This is our final year in South Wales before we move to a new host - so show your support for the Cardiff University organising teams who have helped bring you the 2025 and 2026 Contests, and let’s make this an amazing event to round off UniBrass’ trip to Wales! We will reveal the new host at this year’s contest, so keep your eyes out for the announcement there!
With only a few days to go, it’s all hands on deck to deliver this highlight of the banding calendar for you! Book your tickets now to secure your part in the entertainment!
Tickets: bit.ly/unibrass2026 for Contest and Gala
Stream Passes: unibrass.co.uk/watch