This year's English National Brass Band Championships at the Guild Hall, Preston on Saturday 26th June will have international support.

Arkansas

The Natural State Brass Band from Little Rock, Arkansas, is in the UK on tour and part of the tour was a planned visit to hear Britain’s best bands at the contest.

The band MD, Rusty Morris, met up with Contest Controller Derek Atkinson and was hoping that the band might be able to have some input on the day.

The BFBB agreed to offer the opportunity for the band to perform a short concert before the contest commenced. Natural State will therefore provide a short programme from 9.45am to 10.15am, with the official contest starting at 10.30am.

We are delighted with the support from both bands and hope they will have a good day at PrestonBritish Federation of Brass Bands

Norway

Meanwhile, the 54 strong Norwegian School Band Champion, Tertnes School from the Hordaland region near Bergen, will play a short lunchtime concert in Avenham Park.

A BFBB spokesperson told 4BR: "We are delighted with the support from both bands and hope they will have a good day at Preston."

Dyke Concert

Before the announcement of the results the 2009 Champion, Black Dyke will perform a short concert.

This year’s winner will be offered the chance to represent England at the 2011 European Championships in Montreux, Switzerland.