The first ever national Brass Band Week is set to hit the UK from Saturday 6–Sunday 14 July. Exciting musical events for people of all ages and interests will take place in villages, towns and cities right across the country, all showcasing our nation's beloved brass bands. But what actually is a brass band? And what does it mean to be a part of one?

UK brass bands have been around for a while, being a product of the industrial revolution, with thousands of towns and villages starting their own band from the very early 1800s. They have a unique set of instruments (including cornets – not trumpets), some of which you wouldn’t find in your typical orchestra. All of the instruments are designed to work well together, giving that beautiful and smooth brass band sound.

In 2024, there are thought to be more than 1,000 brass bands in the UK. You'll probably have one near you. And that band will have its own specialism – it could be a band that always provides that sense of occasion at your community events, or one that’s brilliant at working with your local school. If you're lucky, it could be one of the country's top-tier 'Championship' bands. That's right, brass bands compete in leagues.

Bands love a good old fashioned competition. The National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain is held at London's Royal Albert Hall every October and has been going since 1860. This tradition of friendly competition leads to extremely high musical standards, enjoyed by listeners and audience members. Throughout the country, dozens of brass band concerts and other events take place every single week, with the bands themselves being extremely versatile and able to perform music of a huge variety of styles. Bands remain at the centre of their communities, providing music for local events, cultural celebrations and national commemorations.

From the most modest community groups to the elite of the contesting world, brass bands provide countless benefits to their many participants – more than 30,000 in the UK alone – while many of the world’s finest brass players, including the brass sections of many leading professional orchestras, blew their first notes in a brass band. Banding is a lifelong activity and, in recent years, there has even been academic research demonstrating the mental health and other wellbeing benefits of playing in a brass band. They exist for virtually every level of ability and ambition, and the best thing about them is, wherever in the country you are, there’s one near you.

So, scout out your local brass band this July. You'll love the sound they make. And you may even end up joining one.

Brass Band Week, Saturday 6–Sunday 14 July.