The Northern Open Brass Band Championship will go ahead as planned this year, after a local company stepped in to sponsor the event.

30th year

R Banks & Son (Funerals Ltd) and its proprietor Brian Halliwell, have taken over the sponsorship from Wilkinson to support the Championships which are now in their 30th year.

The Championships will take place on Sunday, November 21st at the usual venue of the Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Gratitude

Chairman of the Championship committee, Martin Rigby, told 4BR: "In the current economic climate it has been very difficult to obtain a meaningful sponsorship, so it is with great gratitude to Brian Halliwell that we can today announce that the Northern Open Brass Band Championships will go ahead as planned this November."

Martin added: "Brian is a brass band player and supporter of many years standing, and is well known throughout the movement for his connection with Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band. It's a pleasure to welcome him and his company on board for the Northern Open Championships."

it is with great gratitude to Brian Halliwell that we can today announce that the Northern Open Brass Band Championships will go ahead as planned this NovemberMartin Rigby

High standard

The sponsorship, coupled with the help of Lancashire contests and the North West Counties Brass Bands Association will enable the organisers to run the event to the same high standard as previous years.

Healthy entry

As Martin observed: "Bands have always enjoyed these Championships and I am sure we will have a healthy entry for this year’s event."

The Championships will continue in the usual format with an own choice test piece in each of the four sections.

Wishing to enter

Bands wishing to enter should contact:

Frank Hodges
39 Broxton Avenue
Orrell
Wigan
WN5 8NP
Telephone: 01942 703217
Mobile: 07930 562768
Email frankhodges@btinternet.com