The British Federation of Brass Bands has reiterated its commitment to the English National Championship contest and its remaining nine comepting bands in a statement released to day.

Go ahead

The statement reads: "Following a further two withdrawals from the English National Brass Band Championships taking place at Preston Guild Hall on Saturday, 26th June, and sponsored by Besson, the BFBB can confirm that the event will go ahead as planned."

Commitment

A spokesman for the BFBB added: "We have a commitment to the nine bands that remain loyal to us and we do not intend to let them down. They have all committed to the championships and we thank them for their support. I am sure that the contest will be of a high standard and the test piece 'Eden' will be a challenge to them all."

We have a commitment to the nine bands that remain loyal to us and we do not intend to let them downBFBB

Times

The BFBB has also confirmed that the contest day will commence at 10.00am with a short concert by the visiting Natural State Band from Little Rock, Arkansas and the competition itself will start at 11.00am.

Prior to the announcement of the results, the 2009 English National champion, Black Dyke will perform a short concert.

The new champion will be invited to represent England at next year’s European Championships in Montreux.