Brass band to represent England in European contest

Flowers, conducted by Paul Holland, was the highest placed UK brass band in the contest

A brass band is to represent England in an elite international competition.

Flowers Band, based in Gloucestershire, has secured a place in the 2026 European Brass Band Championships in Austria after coming second in the 2024 British Open on 7 September.

Flowers, conducted by Paul Holland, was the highest placed UK brass band in the contest, with one of its cornet players receiving an individual award.

"It's brilliant for us to represent Gloucester, our home, our base, and the rest of the West of England and the whole country at this international contest," said band manager, Gregor Spence.

Flowers achieved its highest ever result at the British Open, only losing out to the Swiss Treize Etoiles, who are widely regarded to be the best brass band in the world.

The 30 band members, aged between 17 and 65, travel from Cardiff, Swindon, Birmingham, Bath and the Cotswolds.

Cornet player, Paul Richards received the Best Soprano award at the British Open for his "sublime artistry"

"It's more than a hobby," said Mr Holland.

"When we recruit players we make sure the process is as robust personality-wise as it is musically, so that we share the same aspirations, the same desire for hard work and for great concert and contest performances."

"This isn't an overnight success, this is definitely something that has grown over the last 15 years.

The last time a band from the West of England entered the European Championships was in 1985, and for Flowers, it will be the first time.

The competition will require an extra level of stamina from the musicians as two test pieces are played over two days.

Cornet player, Paul Richards, winner of the British Open Best Soprano award, was praised by the judges for his "sublime artistry" and for "greatly enhancing the ensemble excellence".

Band members are now planning to raise money to enable the trip to Austria to happen in two years time.