NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble Schools Tour 2026 gets underway across the South West

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) has today launched its fifth annual Ambassador Ensemble Schools Tour, bringing live music, interactive performances and instrument demonstrations to primary schools across the South West of England.

Running from 6–10 July 2026, the tour will visit 15 schools across Devon, Somerset, Bath and South Gloucestershire, with more than 4,000 primary school pupils expected to experience performances delivered by the NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble.

The 2026 Ambassador Ensemble features 12 of the UK’s most talented young brass and percussion musicians: Luke, Connor, Lucy, Macey, Gareth, Sam, Charles, Carys, Callum, Alexa, Rosa and Isaac.

Each school will enjoy a lively 45–60-minute interactive concert featuring music ranging from pop favourites to classical works, alongside instrument demonstrations and opportunities for pupils to learn more about brass and percussion playing. All performances are delivered free of charge as part of The NYBBGB’s charitable mission to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Mark Bromley, CEO of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, said: “The NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble Schools Tour embodies our mission to make high-quality music accessible to all young people. We are delighted to bring the tour to the South West this year and look forward to inspiring thousands of children through the power of live music.”

The Schools Tour has become one of The NYBBGB’s flagship outreach initiatives, with previous tours receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from schools, music services and pupils alike.

Following last year’s tour in Bradford, Carol Dewhurst OBE, CEO of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT), said: “It was an honour to welcome The NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble into our schools. This partnership offered our pupils a unique opportunity to experience live music, often for the first time, and to explore the possibilities of learning a brass or percussion instrument.”

Katie Savage, Headteacher of Baildon CE Primary School, added: “It has been an absolute pleasure to organise The NYBBGB’s Ambassador Ensemble tour of our BDAT primaries. Music is at the heart of school life here at Baildon CE Primary School and we were delighted to welcome the ensemble to our school.”

Schools that have participated in previous tours have also praised the lasting impact of the visits, with comments including:

• “The positive feedback keeps coming – they really have made a lasting impression!”
• “It was fantastic, they are a very talented bunch of young people! The children loved it!”
• “Watching those children who may never have had an experience like that just shine!”
• “I’ve had emails asking when they’re coming again!”

The 2026 Schools Tour is being delivered in partnership with Devon Music Education Hub, Somerset Music and West of England Music & Arts.

Regular updates, photographs and videos from the tour will be shared throughout the week on The NYBBGB’s Facebook and Instagram channels.