Free Event Showcases the Future of Brass Band Leadership at The NYBBGB Young Conductors’ Competition 2026 Live Final

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will host the live final of its Young Conductors’ Competition 2026 on Saturday 17th January 2025 at Tidworth Garrison Theatre, Wiltshire – admission is completely free.

FREE tickets for the live final can be booked here.

Now in its third edition, this prestigious biannual competition, supported by British Army Music, aims to discover and develop the most promising brass band conducting talent aged 20 to 30.

This year’s competition attracted 19 exceptional entrants from both brass band and non-brass band backgrounds across the UK and beyond — a reflection of the prestige of The NYBBGB’s competition and how it continues to inspire young musicians from varied musical and cultural backgrounds.

The shortlisting process to select the four finalists is currently being undertaken by a distinguished panel comprising Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts (Principal Director of Music, British Army – the first woman to hold the role since 1857) and Dr Robert Childs (The NYBBGB’s Director of Artistic Planning and leading conductor and educator). The four finalists who will compete in the live final will be announced in December.

At the live final in January, each finalist will take to the podium to rehearse one of four iconic brass band works with a joint ensemble of players from The NYBBGB and British Army Music in front of a live audience. The judging on the day will be conducted by Major Craig Bywater (Chief Instructor at the Royal Military School of Music) and Dr Robert Childs.

The finalists are competing for the prestigious title of NYBBGB Young Conductor 2026 – and for the opportunity to become Assistant Conductor for The NYBBGB’s 2026 summer course and concert, working alongside Lieutenant Colonel Petritz-Watts and conducting at the Band’s flagship performance at The Forum, Bath on 8th August 2026.

During the judges’ deliberations, the audience will also be treated to a special 45-minute brass quintet concert, featuring musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music.

Dr Robert Childs, NYBBGB Director of Artistic Planning and competition judge, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled by the response to this year’s competition. The number and calibre of entries from such a wide range of musical and cultural backgrounds shows the remarkable reach and prestige of this event. The NYBBGB Young Conductors’ Competition is a springboard for musicians ready to take their place on the national stage. We’re looking for conductors who not only demonstrate technical command and musicianship, but who can communicate, inspire and lead with creativity and confidence. We’re very excited to see the four best entrants take to the podium in January. It promises to be a truly inspiring and exciting event.”

NYBBGB Chief Executive Mark Bromley added: “This competition shows exactly what we stand for: backing the next generation of music leaders with serious, career-shaping opportunities. Young conductors don’t just learn here – they step up, grow fast and perform at a level that genuinely counts. I am most grateful to our partner British Army Music for their ongoing support.”

The event is free and open to all, offering audiences the chance to witness live the artistry, energy and leadership of some of the UK’s most exciting emerging conductors. FREE tickets for the live final can be booked here.

Find out more about The NYBBGB Young Conductors’ Competition 2026 here.