Brass band championships bring music to capital

Brass musicians perform on stage with large brass instruments, overlaid with bold yellow text promoting the New Zealand Brass Band Championships 2026.
Brass musicians take centre stage as the New Zealand Brass Band Championships bring more than 1000 performers to Wellington from April 8 to 12.

More than 1000 musicians are set to fill Wellington with sound as the National Brass Band Championships return to the city from April 8 to 12.

The week-long event will feature around 40 bands from across Aotearoa, Australia and Tonga, making it one of the largest gatherings of brass musicians in the region.

Organised as one of the world’s oldest music competitions, the championships will include a mix of formal contests and public performances, with free events scheduled throughout the week.

A gala concert on April 12 will headline the programme, featuring the National Band of New Zealand and bringing together top performers from across the competition.

Event organisers say the championships celebrate not only musical excellence but also the strong sense of community and camaraderie within brass band culture.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend performances across the city, offering a chance to experience live music in a range of accessible settings.