Nailsworth Silver Band will make history when they compete in the Second Section Final of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, held at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday.
This marks the first time in the band’s history that they have reached this level of the contest. Nailsworth secured their place at the National Finals after qualifying in March, and will represent the West of England area alongside Cornish bands Porthleven and Verwood.
As part of the competition, all 19 bands will perform the same set Test Piece – Suite From Adam Zero by Arthur Bliss, a rearranged ballet score for brass band. Each performance will be judged and ranked by three independent adjudicators.
Anri Adachi, Musical Director of Nailsworth Silver Band since 2020, will lead the group into the finals for the third time:
- 2021 – Fourth Section Champions
- 2024 – Third Section Finalists
- 2025 – Second Section Finalists
Adachi said: “This is another fantastic opportunity for the band and we’re all really excited to be taking to the stage at Cheltenham once again. The band has worked brilliantly as a team over the summer and the piece is taking great shape. I’m proud to lead this band into an historic event – the highest level final in our history. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of our members that we have made so much progress during my tenure so far and I’m looking forward to presenting our interpretation of the Test Piece next weekend.”
The running order for the competition will be drawn at random on the morning of the event, with the first performance beginning at 9:00am. Results will be announced following the conclusion of all competing bands.
