The UniBrass Contest
The thriving world of university brass bands
The highlight of our calendar is the annual UniBrass contest – a spectacular festival of entertaining performances that welcomes university bands of all skill levels. During the day, you can witness captivating performances from bands that span dance, spoken word, and of course music. And as the sun sets, the event transforms into an spectacular gala concert and unforgettable gala concert social event, where hundreds of students join together, singing along to the tune of Slaidburn. It's an experience you won't want to miss!
Run by students for students, UniBrass is the is the University Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, an annual entertainment contest, with bands judged on both their musical ability and how entertaining they are within their 20 minute performance. university brass bands compete in two sections to win the prestigious title of UniBrass Trophy Champion or UniBrass Shield Champion. The only event of its kind in the world, UniBrass forges strong links between universities whilst keeping young brass musicians involved in live music.
UniBrass 2024 will be hosted by the University of Warwick on Saturday 17th February 2024. More details will be available soon on the participant and audience information pages.
UniBrass 2023 was hosted by the University of Warwick on Saturday 11th February 2023. More details are available on the participant and audience information pages.
Our Contest Sponsors
The Dirty Duck is hosting our social, and providing a space for participants throughout the day
Warwick Students Union have support in organisation and a venue for the social
We thank the University of Warwick's School of Creative Arts, Performance and Visual Cultures for providing secure rooms for storage and workshops over the weekend. We are grateful for the kind support and encouragement throughout the year.
We are extremely grateful to the Warwick Retired Staff Association's support for UniBrass 2023. The WRSA's support has helped provide affordable participant accommodation and has been vital in reviving the UniBrass Workshops for the first time since UniBrass was last at Warwick.
British Army Band Tidworth is comprised of musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music and is one of 14 Regular Army Bands in the British Army. Based in Tidworth, Wiltshire, the band was formed in September 2019.
The band is one of two established brass bands in the British Army; the other brass band being based in Catterick Garrison. This year, the band are opening the results ceremony with a fanfare
Brass Bands England (BBE) is the leading charitable organisation in England devoted to promoting and encouraging participation in brass band music making across the country. BBE has helped the UniBrass contest by providing funding for the adjudicators of the event, and giving invaluable advice and support throughout.