Pershore Midsummer Brass

Start: Saturday, July 4, 2026 10:00AM
End: Saturday, July 4, 2026 10:00PM

Pershore Midsummer Brass is an annual one-day Brass Band Festival held on the first Saturday in July. A celebration of brass band music, it also marks the start of National Brass Band Week and brings together musicians, supporters and visitors for a full day of outstanding performances. The festival begins just before 10am with a fanfare, and at 10am sharp it’s batons down. Over the following 12 hours, more than 25 brass bands, travelling from across the region and beyond, perform in four venues located in the heart of Pershore. All four venues are within a short, level walk of each other in this pretty market town, each offering its own distinctive atmosphere: Pershore Abbey - an awe-inspiring setting of architectural splendour. Gordon Hartley-Bennett Venue in St Andrew's Gardens - a classic summer concert space, named in honour of our founder. Number 8 - Pershore’s well-equipped arts venue, whose fine stage we are delighted to be using for the first time this year. The Angel Hotel Inn - a Marquee set on the water meadows of The Angel, adding a relaxed, party-style feel to the day. Pershore itself is full of independent shops and local businesses. As you move between venues, why not explore the town? With cafés, pubs and restaurants throughout - several offering discounts to Midsummer Brass visitors - it’s an ideal place to pause, browse and enjoy. Brass bands are woven into British life. They bring us pomp and pageantry, Christmas carols, and are the soundtrack to fetes, carnivals and sunny Sunday afternoons in bandstands. Gordon Hartley-Bennett, a local music teacher and founder of the Perscoran Band, was passionate about creating opportunities for young musicians. In 1990 he established Pershore Midsummer Brass to give his students the opportunity to perform alongside top-level players in a respected, friendly and non-competitive environment. Today, that spirit remains at the heart of the festival. Training and youth bands share the programme with first-section and championship-level bands, performing a wide repertoire designed to entertain, inspire and showcase the very best of brass music. Rooted in community spirit and musical excellence, Pershore Midsummer Brass continues to inspire players and delight audiences year after year. With top-class bands, beautiful settings and a festival atmosphere, it’s set to be a grand day out you won’t want to miss.