Wychavon Festival of Brass (WFB) was formed in 1989 to promote the public enjoyment of brass band music. We seek the advancement of the education amongst the public, musicians, arrangers, composers, children and young people in all aspects of brass band music. We do this through our various activities.
Wychavon Festival of Brass is a competition for brass bands from across the UK.
Usually, over seventy performances throughout the day long contest. Brass bands compete in the entertainment contest. An opportunity to hear and experience some fabulous brass music!
There are separate sections for various grades of playing. Championship, First, Second, Third and Fourth Section bands. Bands can also apply for entry to an additional higher section where they are nationally graded. Bands entering the Championship section have a chance to win an invitation to compete at the prestigious annual Spring Festival, Blackpool.
Prizes are awarded at the close of each section. The Tracy Sollis Cup is awarded to ‘The Youngest Player’ playing at our annual contest.
The contest takes place on an annual basis, usually late October, early November. Held in the ancient market town of Evesham, Worcestershire.
The venue is the De Montfort School (TDMS), Evesham. With auditoriums for each section, spectators can watch the bands competing throughout the day long contest.
The Fleece Inn of Bretforton, supplies a large catering and bar marquees. Along with a vast selection of music trade stands, craft stalls and local businesses.
The History of Wychavon Festival of Brass
The Wychavon Festival of Brass (WFB) was the result of an initiative developed by the Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association (VECTA) which, in the late 80’s, was seeking to raise the profile of the town. An exciting brass band contest was seen as an interesting and novel way of attracting visitors and offered the local population the opportunity to hear and experience some fabulous brass music!
Because of the support of VECTA, Wychavon District Council, Evesham Town Council and other local organisations, WFB has continued to grow and develop, adapting itself to differing conditions and needs as economic climates change, and bands and venues come and go!
Many bandsmen will remember the early contests, the first of which was held in 1990 in the Market Square and the nearby All Saints Church in Evesham. It was a beautiful and memorable day; the bands were bathed in sunshine. However, before long, the event became nomadic and rotated between the Wychavon towns of Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich before settling permanently back in its hometown of Evesham in 2013.
