British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles

11/04/2026

We’re having a terrific time at the 2026 NCBF Festival UK at the RNCM - Royal Northern College of Music. Lots of superb bands showing off their versatility and musicianship, as well as helping to raise awareness of BASBWE.

10/04/2026

Just 1 day to go! Very excited about seeing and hearing all the bands at this weekend's National Festival, together with the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and all our valued traders - all contribute to make the whole weekend such a vibrant festival!

There's still time to book your tickets and buy a programme in advance via this link https://ncbf.info/festival-programmes/

Keep us posted on how you're doing - safe journeys to Manchester and see you soon!
RAF Music ABRSM Studio Music Buffet Crampon RNCM - Royal Northern College of Music

20/03/2026

Composers’ Workshop

Tuesday 9 June 2026, 7-9pm St George's Church, Bloomsbury Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SA The Bloomsbury Woodwind Ensemble (BWE), in association with BASBWE, invites composers and arrangers to take part in an open workshop – a unique opportunity to hear their music performed live and to explore new creative ideas for woodwind orchestra. Building on the success of previous workshops, many of the featured pieces have gone on to receive additional performances and even professional recordings, underscoring the workshop’s value as a springboard for fresh new writing....

Tuesday 9 June 2026, 7-9pm St George's Church, Bloomsbury Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SA The Bloomsbury Woodwind Ensemble (BWE), in association with BASBWE, invites composers and arrangers to take part in an open workshop – a unique opportunity to hear their music performed live and to explore ne...

17/03/2026

OUT NOW! The brand new issue of Winds magazine should be landing on doormats and is available to BASBWE members on the 'Resources' page of the website: https://basbwe.net/resources/

11/03/2026

We are delighted to announce that the winner of the 2025 BASBWE Composition Competition, 'Silk Town' by Henry Rankin has now been published by Editions Marc Reift and copies are available from the BASBWE website via the link below, where you can also listen to a recording of this exciting new addition to the repertoire.

https://basbwe.net/competition/

10/03/2026

05/03/2026

Coming soon! New issue of Winds magazine, featuring news of the BASBWE Composition Competition and our Chair, Shea Lolin interviews Andrew Mackereth, Musical Director of the Wind Band Association.

27/02/2026

🎉 Competition Announcement – BASBWE Composition Competition 2025 🎉

We are delighted to announce that Henry Rankin has been named the winner of the BASBWE Composition Competition 2025 with his outstanding work 'Silk Town'.

From a strong international field of entries, 'Silk Town' stood out for its balance of accessibility, craftsmanship and expressive detail – perfectly reflecting BASBWE’s mission to champion imaginative new music for wind orchestra.

Henry studied at the University of Manchester and the Royal Northern College of Music, and works as a composer, arranger and violinist across both concert and media settings. 'Silk Town' was premiered by the Macclesfield Concert Band in 2025 and now enters an exciting new chapter following this award.

We warmly congratulate Henry on this remarkable achievement and look forward to sharing a new recording of 'Silk Town' and news of a publishing deal later this year!

🔗 Find out more about Henry’s work: henryrankin.com



The adjudication panel described the piece as:

✨ “Very well crafted and enjoyable”
✨ “A rewarding challenge for intermediate-level ensembles”
✨ “A clear, engaging and tuneful score with plenty of depth”

They also praised its distinctly British soundworld, enriched with folk and carol-like touches, alongside vibrant colour and rhythmic vitality.