The draw has been made for the 2010 Brass in Concert Championships that take place at The Sage in Gateshead on the weekend of 20th/21st November.
High class
12 high class bands have accepted invitations to compete, with Foden’s back to defend the title they won last year under the direction of Garry Cutt.
Debutants and returnees
On this occasion they will be joined by 11 top ranked British bands, including recently crowned Grand Shield champion Tredegar, who make their first appearance back at the contest since 1996, and debutants Redbridge who have impressed many with their innovative entertainment performances at the Butlins contest in the past two seasons.
No Cory
Unfortunately, the current European champion Cory won’t be competing for the title they won in 2009, whilst there is no overseas contender this year despite the contest’s connections to both the US Open and the Euro Brass events.
For the second year in a row there is no Scottish representation, due perhaps to the Scottish Open taking place the day before in Perth.
£4,000 top prize
Last year’s runner up Grimethorpe will be looking to add to their tally of 14 victories as they seek their first win since 2005, whilst 2006 & 2007 champion Brighouse & Rastrick will also be looking to add to their CV here following last year’s fourth place.
Champions
The competition this year sees the field include no less than six former champions competing for the £4,000 top prize, twelve London finalists, nine British Open contenders, six Area champions and the winners of the Butlins championship and Grand Shield contest.
The draw sees local favourites Reg Vardy kick off proceedings from the number 1 draw, with the contest coming to a rousing climax with the three bands who have won 11 of the last 12 Brass in Concert titles, Grimethorpe, Brighouse and Foden’s, playing in the last quarter of the days proceedings.
the field includes no less than six former champions competing for the £4,000 top prize, twelve London finalists, nine British Open contenders, six Area champions and the winners of the Butlins championship and Grand Shield contest4BR
Delighted
A spokesman for the event commented to 4BR: "Once again we are delighted to be able to present an outstanding line-up of competing bands at Brass in Concert and it will be a particular pleasure to welcome Redbridge on its debut at the event, as well as the newly-crowned Grand Shield champion, Tredegar. It promises to be a great day."
The draw took place at St James’ Park, home to Newcastle United Football Club on Tuesday afternoon by the team’s coach Jimmy Nelson and Pauline Buglass of the Booy Robson Foundation.
Brass in Concert draw:
1. Reg Vardy
2. Leyland
3. Redbridge
4. Fairey (Geneva)
5. Tredegar
6. Carlton Main Frickley
7. Flowers
8. Desford
9. Grimethorpe
10. Brighouse & Rastrick
11. Foden’s
12. Rothwell Temperance
