The New Zealand Brass Band Championships is one of the world’s oldest music competitions.
The first contest was held in the Christchurch Drill Hall on the 17th of April 1880 with an audience of 2500 people. Six bands competed, and the audience chose the winner – the Invercargill Garrison Band, under the command of Captain W.E. Heywood.
These days the national contest is held annually in July over five days and includes Junior and Open solo and Ensemble competitions, a Sacred Item/Hymn, Test selection and Own Choice selection for bands in each grade (A, B, C, D, and Youth), plus a Street March. The contest sometimes concludes with a gala concert or workshops.
2028, 12 to 15 July, in Manukau, Auckland
All events to be held at the Due Drop Events Centre.
Contact Contest Administrator bbanzeo@gmail.com
2027, 14 to 17 April Invercargill
Band events in the Civic Theatre and SIT Centrestage Theatre. Contact Contest Administrator bbanzeo@gmail.com
If your band is travelling to Invercargill for the 2027 National Contest and you need assistance finding the right accommodation to suit your band's needs, the local contest committee can help.
Please contact our committee member Judy Ward or phone 027 561 0336.
Dates of Interest
Tuesday 27 October: announcement of the test music and release of entry forms.
Saturday 13 February: Closing date for contest entries.
Wednesday 31 March: announcement of the Draw.
Wed 14 and Thurs 15 April: Solo and Ensemble events.
Friday 16 and Saturday 17: Band events
