National Brass Band Championships

This is New Zealand’s longest-running music competition, and to celebrate its 144th year, the National Brass Band Championships are coming to South Auckland for the first time as the Pacific Festival of Brass.

From Wednesday, 10 to Saturday, 13 July, the entire Due Drop Centre will resonate with the sound of brass and percussion as more than 1000 musicians from around the country compete for the title of Champion Band and Champion Soloist. Brass bands from Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and Tonga will also compete.

There is also a Street March starting at 1.00pm on Friday, 12 July, around the centre.

Most of the events are free of charge, so pop in to hear one soloist or stay for the whole day.