The Brighosue Lions Festival of Brass is due to take place this weekend (2nd-4th July)

International flavour

There will be a real international flavour too, with Section 1 Champions of Holland, the Spijkerpakkenband, conducted by Thijs Oud making their first trip to Britain to take part in the event.

Arriving on Friday in West Yorkshire the band will be based in the West Yorkshire town until Monday, when they return home. The band are saaid to be looking forward to rehearsing in the Brighouse & Rastrick bandroom.

Gala Concert

Saturday evening’s Gala Concert will have a full house as usual and William Rushworth will be the guest soloist with the band.

Sunday morning’s 'Brass in the Park' is a new venture this year at the Memorial Park, Bailiff Bridge, commencing at 10.30am.

27 bands in total will take part in the March & Hymn Tune Contest beginning at 1pm, with it all ending around 6.30pm in time for the football on the telly!

Marsden Silver defend their title with strong opposition from Hammonds, Skelmanthorpe and Easington, and there is a 'Xeno' cornet donated by Yamaha Music for the best Principal Cornet of the day as well as £2,000 prize money4BR

Tribute

Before the results Elland Silver Band, conductor James Shepherd will give a short tribute concert for the late Stephen Thornton and Geoffrey Whitham.

Marsden Silver defend their title with strong opposition from Hammonds, Skelmanthorpe and Easington, and there is a 'Xeno' cornet donated by Yamaha Music for the best Principal Cornet of the day as well as £2,000 prize money.

Solo contests

The Festival will also see a slow melody event for categories ranging from 11 & Under, 14 & under and 17 & under with Thijs Oud and Derek Renshaw adjudicating at the Ebenezer Methodist Church, Bailiff Bridge on Saturday morning, beginning at 10.00am.