Champion Brass — New Zealand Brass Band Championships 2026

More than 1000 competitors blow into Wellington in April to take part in one of the oldest music competitions in the world. The annual National Brass Band Championships attract competing bands from across Aotearoa, Australia, and beyond. Together, they represent the spirit of community music-making at its pinnacle. This year, 40 bands, including one travelling from Tonga, will compete across four grades. 

The Championships are more than just a competition. They are an annual institution with a huge sense of camaraderie between competing musicians. It is a celebration of everything that is great about live music and therefore attracts a wide audience of supporters. 

The highlight of the week is a gala performance from the National Band of New Zealand. The 12 April concert features top musicians selected from competing bands plus guest soloists. Other events are free and open to the public. This includes solo, chamber, and full-band performances, the Champion of Champions concert, and a masterclass with the principal trombonist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Jorgen Van Rijen.