The European Brass Band Championships 2026 came to a successful close in Linz on Sunday, 27 April 2026. For one week, Linz became the centre of the European brass band scene. Around 1,500 musicians from 16 countries and approximately 20,000 visitors turned Linz into an international meeting place for musical excellence, exchange and shared enthusiasm.
The Championships were organised by the Department of Culture of the Province of Upper Austria / Upper Austrian Music School Association in cooperation with Brucknerhaus Linz, the Upper Austrian Wind Music Association and the European Brass Band Association (EBBA).
A special highlight was the Gala Concert at Brucknerhaus Linz, featuring Brass Band Oberösterreich, the European Youth Brass Band and the ensemble Diatonische Expeditionen. Under the baton of Günther Reisegger and Karl Geroldinger, the musicians presented a varied programme that showed how music can connect people across national and linguistic borders. The European Youth Brass Band brought together 25 young musicians aged 18 to 22 from 15 countries.
In his address, Governor of Upper Austria Mag. Thomas Stelzer highlighted the unifying power of music and its ability to bring people together peacefully. This spirit shaped the entire championship week, which focused not only on competition, but also on encounter, appreciation and a shared passion for music.
Another outstanding moment was the success of 18-year-old Swiss trumpeter Simon Gabriel, who won the EBBC’s 10th European Soloist Competition with technical brilliance and musical maturity.
In the Championship Section, the Flowers Band from Gloucester, England, claimed first place. The Challenge Section was won by Brass Band Wipptal from Italy. Brass Band Oberösterreich, competing as Austrian champion in the Championship Section, finished twelfth.
Upper Austria’s young brass musicians also achieved strong results: Junior Brass Band Oberösterreich took third place in the Development Section, while Jugend Brass Band Oberösterreich reached fifth place in the Premier Section.
The Brass Mile in Linz city centre added to the festive atmosphere. More than 450 musicians performed in a wide variety of ensembles, delighting thousands of visitors with brass music, jazz, pop and rock in beautiful spring weather.
The European Brass Band Championships 2026 impressively demonstrated the international appeal of brass band culture. EBBC 2026 will be remembered not only as a top-class competition, but above all as a celebration of Europe’s musical family.
