- Nantwich Concert Band Wins Gold at NCBF Regional Festival
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Date Posted: Mon, 1 Dec 2025
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.
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.
About the National Concert Band Festival
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
"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."
Musical Director Nick Birch said:
"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."
Band Chairman Nick Thayer added:
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.
Looking Ahead
- We Need You! Nantwich Concert Band is Recruiting
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Date Posted: Sat, 4 Oct 2025
Are you a drummer, bassoonist, trombonist, french horn or clarinet player? Nantwich Concert Band would love to welcome you! We’re a fun, friendly, and busy community band that’s growing fast. This year alone we’ve welcomed over 20 new players, and reached an incredible milestone of 50 members earlier in the year.
Our repertoire is exciting and ever-changing, covering pop hits, film soundtracks, classical favourites, and original concert band works. We perform four formal concerts a year, as well as at local events such as the Nantwich Food Festival, Nantwich Show, and Christmas busking, giving our members plenty of opportunities to share their music with the wider community
Current Opportunities:- Drummer – Our drum kit is ready and waiting; we need a confident, committed player to complete our rhythm section.
- Bassoon – Join our woodwind section and enrich our ensemble with your unique sound.
- French Horn, Trombone, Clarinet – Help expand our brass and woodwind sections and be part of an even stronger, fuller band.
Whether you’re returning to music after a break or looking for a new challenge, Nantwich Concert Band offers:
- A welcoming, supportive, and sociable musical community.
- High-quality, enjoyable music that’s always fresh.
- Opportunities to perform in concerts, festivals, and local community events.
- Rehearsals every Wednesday, 7:30–9:15pm at Highfield Academy, Nantwich.
If you play one of these instruments (or know someone who does!), get in touch or come along to a rehearsal. There’s a place for you in our band, Let’s make music together!
- Nantwich Concert Band Welcomes New Musicians for September Open Rehearsals
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Date Posted: Wed, 30 Jul 2025
As the new academic year approaches, Nantwich Concert Band is once again inviting local musicians to attend our Open Rehearsals throughout September 2025.
Whether you’re returning to playing after a break or looking for a fresh musical challenge, this is a perfect opportunity to come along, meet the band, and experience what we’re all about. Rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings in Nantwich, and are completely free to attend during the open rehearsal period.
We welcome players of all woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, and are currently particularly keen to hear from those who play Horn, Trombone, Tuba or Drum Kit (a drum kit is provided at rehearsals, so there’s no need to bring your own).
Nantwich Concert Band recommends a minimum playing standard of around Grade 4, and we pride ourselves on being a friendly, mixed-ability ensemble. The band has a varied programme throughout the year, performing everything from concert band repertoire and film music to pop arrangements and seasonal favourites.
If you’re interested in attending, or would like more information about joining the band, please contact our Musical Director, Nick Birch, at:
? musicaldirector@nantwichband.co.ukYou can also find more details about the band and our upcoming performances at:
? www.nantwichband.co.ukWe look forward to welcoming some new faces to the band this September!
- NCB Hosts Open Rehearsals through January 2025
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Date Posted: Thu, 2 Jan 2025
Nantwich Concert Band is opening up our doors to new musicians to encourage you to join the band!
New Year, New Me, New Hobby? Or are you looking for a new social community?
Here at Nantwich Concert Band (NCB) we're always on the look out for new members. This January we're hosting 'Open Rehearsals' to encourage musicians from Nantwich and surrounding areas to come 'give it a go' by attending rehearsals for FREE while you decide if you'd like to join us on a permanent basis.
NCB welcomes musicians who play any woodwind or brass instrument, and encourage percussionists to join too. We recommend a playing standard of at least Grade 3, and are a mixed ability band!
We're particularly keen to hear from musicians who play the following instruments:- Oboe
- Horn
- Tuba
- Drum Kit (NCB has a drum kit - no need to ferry yours around)
You can find more details about Nantwich Concert Band and becoming a member via our website!
Get in touch and let us know if you're interested in attending a rehearsal by emailing our Musical Director, Nick Birch: musicaldirector@nantwichband.co.uk
