University of Birmingham Defends UniBrass Trophy, Nottingham Wins First Shield Title

The annual university brass band competition saw strong performances across the board.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Birmingham Music Society successfully defended their UniBrass Trophy title, while the University of Nottingham claimed their first-ever UniBrass Shield championship at the 2026 competition. The event featured performances from 11 bands in the Trophy Section and 11 bands in the Shield Section, with the University of Manchester, Salford University, and Manchester Metropolitan University named the Most Entertaining Band in the Trophy Section and Leeds, Leeds Beckett, and Leeds Conservatoire taking the same honor in the Shield Section.

Why it matters

The UniBrass Championships are a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the talent and dedication of university brass bands across the UK. The competition provides a platform for these young musicians to perform at a high level and be recognized for their achievements. The results highlight the continued strength and growth of the university brass band scene in the country.

The details

In the Trophy Section, the University of Birmingham Music Society took the top spot with a score of 137 points, followed by Huddersfield University and the University of Sheffield/Sheffield Hallam University. The University of Nottingham claimed the Shield Section title with 137 points, ahead of Leeds, Leeds Beckett, and Leeds Conservatoire, and Bangor University. The event also featured individual awards, including Best Student Conductor, Best Soloist, and Best Percussion Section.

  • The 2026 UniBrass Championships took place on February 15, 2026.

The players

University of Birmingham Music Society

The winning band in the Trophy Section of the 2026 UniBrass Championships.

University of Nottingham

The winning band in the Shield Section of the 2026 UniBrass Championships.

University of Manchester, Salford University, and Manchester Metropolitan University

The Most Entertaining Band in the Trophy Section of the 2026 UniBrass Championships.

Leeds, Leeds Beckett, and Leeds Conservatoire

The Most Entertaining Band in the Shield Section of the 2026 UniBrass Championships.

Esme Harper

The winner of the Best Student Composition or Arrangement award at the 2026 UniBrass Championships.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The 2026 UniBrass Championships showcased the continued excellence and growth of university brass bands in the UK, with the University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham emerging as the top performers in the Trophy and Shield Sections respectively. The event highlighted the talent and dedication of these young musicians, as well as the enduring popularity and significance of the university brass band tradition in the country.