Milnrow crowned Champions for 2026

Darwen Town Square came alive with the sound of brass music this weekend as the Blackburn & Darwen March and Hymn Tune Contest returned for another successful year.

From the first note to the final results, the square was buzzing with the energy, talent and dedication of brass bands from across the region. Blessed with sunshine throughout the day, the event attracted a fantastic crowd who enjoyed an outstanding showcase of traditional brass banding.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who came along to support the contest and help create such a wonderful atmosphere. Events like this are only possible because of the commitment of so many people behind the scenes, and we are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers and members of the Blackburn & Darwen community who gave their time to make the day such a success.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Darwen Town Council for their continued support in helping the contest thrive year after year. Their ongoing commitment ensures that this much-loved event remains a highlight of the local brass band calendar.

Special thanks also go to the Mayor of Darwen, who kindly presented the prizes to the winning bands at the end of the day.

One of the standout moments of the contest was seeing the Blackburn & Darwen Community Band compete in their very first contest. The band received a special mention from adjudicator John Doyle and delighted audiences with a performance prior to the announcement of the results. We are extremely proud of their achievement and look forward to seeing their continued progress.

This year, 11 fantastic bands took part in the competition, each delivering performances of an exceptionally high standard. Congratulations to every band that competed, and especially to Milnrow Band, who were crowned overall champions.

Thank you once again to everyone who helped make the 2026 Blackburn & Darwen March and Hymn Tune Contest such a memorable celebration of music, community and brass band tradition.