Open de France de Brass Band
International brass band championship in Amboise, Indre-et-Loire
About Open de France Brass Band
Open de France de Brass Band in Amboise
The Open de France de Brass Band is an international brass band competition held annually in May-June in Amboise, Indre-et-Loire. Since its creation in 1997, this event has become one of the major gatherings for the European brass world, attracting top ensembles from France, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and beyond.
A Competition of Excellence
The heart of the event is the brass band competition held at the Théâtre Beaumarchais in Amboise. Ensembles compete in various sections according to their level, performing set works and own-choice pieces before a jury of international experts. The competition rewards musical excellence, ensemble precision, sound quality, and artistic interpretation.
Opening Ceremony at the Royal Château
The festival traditionally opens with a solemn ceremony at the Royal Château of Amboise, including the draw for the performance order and a mini-concert for participants. This prestigious moment in one of the Loire Valley's most beautiful castles sets the tone for a weekend of excellence and camaraderie.
Marching Music Competition
In addition to the stage competition, a marching music competition takes place on Place Michel Debré, at the foot of the château. Brass bands parade in formation, playing traditional and modern marches, offering a popular and festive spectacle in the heart of the city.
Amboise, City of Brass
The Open de France is organized by the Association des Amis du Brass Band in partnership with the Pôle des Arts Paul Gaudet and the Orchestre d'Harmonie d'Amboise. The festival benefits from the exceptional setting of Amboise, a royal city on the banks of the Loire, and contributes to the city's international renown. Performances are spread across the Théâtre Beaumarchais, Place Michel Debré, and other locations in the historic city center.
Roll of Honour and International Reach
The Open de France has seen prestigious ensembles from across Europe triumph. In 2025, the British brass band Rothwell Temperance took international honors, while Dutch and French ensembles distinguished themselves in various sections.
Open de France Brass Band — edition 2026
30th anniversary edition of the Open de France de Brass Band in Amboise, from June 5 to 7, 2026. Opening ceremony at the Château Royal d'Amboise, international competition at the Théâtre Beaumarchais, marching band competition at Place Michel Debré, and closing gala at Salle Claude Ménard with the Carlton Main Frickley Band, one of the most prestigious British brass bands.
30 years of brass bands in Amboise
From June 5 to 7, 2026, the Open de France de Brass Band celebrates its 30th anniversary edition. Three days of brass music bring together ensembles from all over the world in several emblematic locations in Amboise: the Théâtre Beaumarchais, the Château Royal, the Salle Claude Ménard and the historic city center.
International competition and concerts
The heart of this edition remains the international competition held at the Théâtre Beaumarchais on Saturday, June 6, complemented by a marching band competition at Place Michel Debré and open-air performances in the city center. The gala evening, Saturday at 9 PM at Salle Claude Ménard, features the Carlton Main Frickley Band, a leading British brass band.
OFF Festival in Val d'Amboise
Alongside the competition, a mini-OFF festival hosts ensembles in several communes of the Val d'Amboise community of communes throughout the weekend, extending the musical celebration beyond Amboise.
Programme Open de France Brass Band 2026
Friday, June 5, 2026
- 6:30 PM — Opening ceremony and draw for the order of passage · Château Royal d'Amboise
- Mini-concert by a guest ensemble (reserved for competition participants)
Saturday, June 6, 2026
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM — International brass band competition (morning) · Théâtre Beaumarchais
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Marching band competition · Place Michel Debré
- 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM — International brass band competition (afternoon) · Théâtre Beaumarchais
- 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM — Open-air performances by ensembles · Amboise city center
- 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM — Closing gala concert with the Carlton Main Frickley Band and announcement of results · Salle Claude Ménard
Sunday, June 7, 2026
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM — Street entertainment (bandas) · City center
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM — Concert show · Amboise
OFF Festival
Throughout the weekend, ensembles are hosted in several communes of the Val d'Amboise community of communes for a mini-OFF festival.
Live broadcast on www.digistyle.fr.
Highlights Open de France Brass Band 2026
- 30th anniversary edition of the international brass band festival
- Opening ceremony at the Château Royal d'Amboise
- International competition at the Théâtre Beaumarchais
- Marching band competition at Place Michel Debré
- Closing gala with the Carlton Main Frickley Band (UK) at Salle Claude Ménard
- OFF Festival in the communes of Val d'Amboise
- Live broadcast on digistyle.fr
Prices Open de France Brass Band 2026
Practical information — Open de France Brass Band
Practical Information
Location
Théâtre Beaumarchais and Place Michel Debré, Amboise (37400), Indre-et-Loire.
Access
From Tours, take the east direction towards Amboise (approx. 25 km). Amboise SNCF train station accessible by TER. Parking in the city center.
Prices
Consult the official website openamboise.com for ticketing and prices for the various events.
Contact
Association des Amis du Brass Band. Official website: openamboise.com
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Where does it take place — Open de France Brass Band
Théâtre Beaumarchais
Théâtre Beaumarchais, Amboise, 37400 Amboise