Mereside Brass will appear on the contest stage for the first time in their nine year history at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on the weekend, as they take part in the Fourth Section in the Empress Ballroom playing ‘Prelude, Song & Dance’ by John Golland.

Decision

The decision to compete for a first time was taken as part of their ongoing development plan, as well as by the help and assistance which has been afforded to them over the past year or so from many famous sources.

We hope it is the first of many!Mereside Brass

Help and assistance

Katrina Marzella and members of the Foden’s Band have been instrumental in helping the band prepare for the big day, whilst the officials of the Registry, the North West Regional Contest Committee and the various Brass Band Associations have guided them through the administrative nightmare.

Meanwhile, both the adjudicators and conductors associations welcomed them to the recent Cleckheaton workshop, which gave the band an invaluable insight into competition preparation.

First of many

All this then for the moment on Sunday in the Empress Ballroom where the players of Merside Brass will enjoy their first taste of competition. As a spokesperson told 4BR: "We hope it is the first of many!"