WBB Take on the World Stage

After seven years as New Zealand’s top brass band — and two Australian A-Grade titles — Wellington Brass has earned a coveted invitation to compete at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade: the most prestigious global stage for brass and wind music.

Held every four years in the Netherlands, WMC is where the world’s best meet to perform, compete, and connect across cultures. Winning in Kerkrade means claiming the title of World Champion Brass Band — a career-defining honour that places musicians at the pinnacle of their art. For a community-led band, getting there is a massive challenge. It will take an extraordinary fundraising effort and months of preparation to represent Aotearoa on the world stage.

The band and supporters arrive in the Netherlands on July 3rd 2026 and will deliver a concert tour as they make their way south to Kerkrade, where the World Music Contest begins on July 11th. Joint concerts will be performed with the Amsterdam Staff Band and Société St. Martin Fanfare de Stein.

Follow the bands journey on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WellingtonBrassBand/) and look out for our blog posts.