Now in its 11th year, the Borders Festival of Brass once again promises plaenty of good music, entertainment and fun.

This year's event will run from 18th September -3rd October and arrangements are well underway thanks to the efforts of the Scottish Borders Brass Band Association.

The Festival will see a record number of events organised by each of the member bands and will include several concerts, a solo and quartet competition and a brass and percussion workshop for school children.

Borders Association Chairman, Alan Fernie, told 4BR: "One of the main aims is to keep reminding the public about the musical excellence that exists in our communities in the form of the local bands. This Festival is an ideal opportunity to do just that."

Packed festival

The packed festival programme kicks-off with on Saturday with a concert featuring Selkirk Silver Band and Selkirk Junior Band in Selkirk, whilst the following day a brass and percussion workshop for school age children will be run at Galashiels Academy.

Alan Fernie, Louise Jack and Robert Fraser will lead the sessions and the workshop will conclude with a short concert featuring all of the young players.

One of the main aims is to keep reminding the public about the musical excellence that exists in our communities in the form of the local bands. This Festival is an ideal opportunity to do just thatAlan Fernie

Exciting project

There is so much mroe on offer too, with numerous concerts as well as the launch of the Jefdforest Drum Academy on October 1st.

This exciting project which has been assisted with funding from Youth Chex to teach youngsters about drums and drumming. The project uses electric and acoustic kits in the learning process along with lessons in theory and basic rudiments.

For more information go to www.bordersbrass.org.uk