We are thrilled to announce that Nantwich Concert Band has been awarded a Gold Award in the Community Wind Band category at the National Concert Band Festival (NCBF) Regional event in Telford on 30 November — our first NCBF appearance in many years. This achievement is a testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work of every member who took part.

About the National Concert Band Festival

The National Concert Band Festival (NCBF) is the UK’s largest festival for wind and concert bands, providing a supportive environment for bands of all levels to perform and develop. Regional events lead to the National Finals, where outstanding bands are celebrated for musical quality, ensemble skill, and programme choice.
 

Preparing for the Festival

Earlier this year, we asked our members if they were interested in taking part in the NCBF, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. To accommodate this alongside our regular Wednesday rehearsals for upcoming concerts, we introduced extra Monday evening rehearsals for those available and keen to participate.

With a committed ensemble of around 35 players, we rehearsed fort nightly over the months leading up to the festival. Our efforts culminated in a fantastic performance in Telford on 30 November — a first NCBF experience for many of our members.

Our Programme

Our performance featured a varied and exciting programme:

• Concert Prelude (Philip Sparke) – energetic fanfares and rhythmic drive
• Whispers from Beyond (Rossano Galante) – a modern and expressive wind band work
• Country Gardens (Percy Grainger) – a charming, folk-inspired favourite
• March from A Moorside Suite (Gustav Holst) – bold, uplifting English band music

The mix of styles allowed the band to show musical versatility, dynamic contrast, and strong ensemble playing.
 

Gold Award Performance

The adjudicators praised our performance for:

• Excellent dynamic variation
• A well-balanced sound throughout
• Clear articulation and rhythmic drive
• A balanced programme with confidence and colour

At NCBF, every band enters a specific category based on size and experience, and performances are assessed against a set of criteria including tone quality, ensemble balance, rhythm, phrasing, and overall musicality. Bands are then awarded a rating according to how well they meet these standards. Nantwich Concert Band’s performance earned us the Gold Award in the 'Community Wind Band' category — recognition for our musical skill, preparation, and ensemble teamwork.

Musical Director Nick Birch said:

"I’m incredibly proud of what the band has achieved in such a short space of time — just eight rehearsals. To enter the competition for the first time in many years and achieve a Gold Award is an outstanding accomplishment and something the band can continue to build on."

Band Chairman Nick Thayer added:

"It’s a remarkable achievement for the band to take part in the event and be awarded Gold. The dedication and commitment shown by the players and committee has been exceptional, and we’re very proud of everyone involved."

Looking Ahead

The band will now return to preparations for their Christmas concert on 21 December, while also looking forward to future festival participation. Plans are also being considered for a social trip for band members to the National Final event in April 2026 at the Royal Northern College of Music.