Members of Bratton Silver Band are celebrating after winning the regional final of the National Brass Band Championships, securing their place in the national final.
The band travelled to Torquay in Cornwall last month to compete in the West of England Regional Championships. Adjudicators at the event were blown away by Bratton Silver Band and described their performance as ‘outstanding.’
Sue Jackson, secretary of Bratton Community Brass Bands, said, “This is an annual event for the band, and following everyone’s hard work and dedication, we were absolutely delighted to win and become 3rd Section Champions. From January 2026, we will be promoted and will compete as a 2nd section band.
“Our win in the Regional Championships means that we qualify for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in September, where we will be competing against the best 3rd section bands from around the country.”
Bratton Silver Band shared news of their success at a recent movie-themed performance at Warminster School. On 29th March, the band put on a ‘Brass at the Movies’ programme featuring music from films such as Wicked, Ghostbusters, and Hairspray. Solo trombone player Robin Elliot also created some movie magic of his own with clips and graphics to accompany the performance.
Speaking at the interval, Bratton Silver Band MD Kyle Blake told the White Horse News he was over the moon about the result from the South West Regional Championships.
He said, “I’m really proud of the band—they’ve worked really hard over the past couple of years. The goal at the Championships was to have fun and put on a performance we were proud of. To actually win was the cherry on top.
“And today has been the best I’ve heard the band—they’ve been fantastic. We like putting on events like this in the community as it not only improves the band but also helps everyone gain more confidence. The majority of concerts we put on are free to attend because we really want our music to be accessible to everyone.”
Bratton Silver Band has a long history dating back to 1859, making it one of the oldest brass bands in the country. It forms part of Bratton Community Brass Bands, an organisation consisting of three bands in the heart of the county, which hosts various performances in and around west Wiltshire.
The band comprises around 30 members, many of whom come from the villages surrounding Bratton and nearby towns.
You can catch Bratton Silver Band in action at the Annual Awards Quiz Celebration on Saturday 26th April between 6.30pm and 10pm in the Jubilee Hall in Bratton.
They will also take to the stage at the upcoming VE Day Joint Concert with Warminster Military Wives Choir on Saturday 17th May between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Holy Trinity Church in Bradford-on-Avon.
