British Horn Society presents BHS Festival 2026
Join us for this year's British Horn Festival - a day full of music-making, workshops and performances for horn players of all ages!
For all horn players of all ages!
Join us for a jam-packed day of all things horn-related. Meet other players from across the UK with a rich and varied programme that has something for everyone, including:
- BHS Guest Artist, international award-winning soloist Félix Dervaux
- The finals of the inaugural BHS Performance Prizes, sponsored by Paxman Ltd
- Meet & play alongside RNCM professors, players from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Halle Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera North, the horns of the Guards' bands and our other guest artists
- Performances, Recitals
- Masterclasses - relaxed and advanced
- U18 workshop with RNCM Young Horns
- Relaxed and advanced ensembles for adults
- Sessions on Baroque Horn and Wagner Tuba, horn technique and orchestral playing
- Workshops in Confidence Coaching, Breathing, Intonation, Tongue Placement Workshops
- Conservatoire 'hang-out' for students
- BHS Competitions and Performners Award Presentations
Sponsored by our 2026 exhibitors and trade stands - Paxman Ltd, Alexander Mainz, Woodhead Horns, Juhász Zoltán Natural Horns, Fisher Horns, edition db and Wiggins Music amongst others!
Applications for performance opportunities are now open via the following link:
BHS Festival 2026 Masterclasses and Opportunities – Fill in form
- BHS Advanced Masterclass - Unwrapping Strauss 2 with Félix Dervaux
- BHS Relaxed Performance Masterclass (Grade 4-7)
- Informal 'open mic' opportunities for your groups to perform
For more information or to become a member of the BHS, visit https://british-horn.org or contact us at events@britishhornsociety.org
Good to know
Highlights
- 8 hours
- under 18 with parent or legal guardian
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
Royal Northern College of Music
124 Oxford Rd
Manchester M13 9RD
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
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BHS 2026 Opening Event
Welcome to BHS 2026, heralded by the horns of the RNCM and Chetham’s School of Music. AND bring your horns to join in an informal mass warm up to start your day!
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BHS Performer and Emerging Performer Awards, sponsored by Paxman Ltd
The finalists for each category will compete during the course of the day for prizes of £1,000 (winners) and £500 (runner ups) sponsored by Paxman Ltd. Watch this space for more details
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Open Mic Slots
Grab the opportunity to showcase your own ensemble in an informal performance slot in the foyer area - slots available throughout the day! To register interest, follow the link in the event overview or visit https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/0Ar44CHszs