Organisers of the Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival have announced details of their 2011 plans and have told 4BR that they at the event will be better than ever.

Free festival

The free two-day festival, takes place on the weekend of the 16th/17th July outside the Museum of Iron in the historic area of Coalbrookdale.

15 bands will be playing while Festivalgoers enjoy picnics in the beautiful surroundings. Refreshments will also be available to buy on site and the event will feature a licensed bar.

Proms

The event also features a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert in aid of Severn Hospice, which will also be held in the grounds of the Museum. For the last two years the Proms has taken place at the Engine Hall of Enginuity.

The Proms concert is electrifying and this year it will be even better. The Museum lawns are a beautiful spot and provide an ideal positionFestival Secretary, Sue Palmer

Beautiful

Sue Palmer, Festival Secretary, told 4BR: "The Proms concert is electrifying and this year it will be even better. The Museum lawns are a beautiful spot and provide an ideal position.

I have always wanted to do the Proms out there so it is a real dream come true. To see everyone standing up, waving their flags, singing and having a fantastic time, it’s just brilliant."

New work

This year the Proms concert also has the honour of hosting the premiere of a new piece of music by Shrewsbury-based composer Matthew Hall, commissioned as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of Ironbridge becoming a World Heritage Site.

Matthew told 4BR: "It’s a real honour to be involved with the celebrations. The Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival is held in high regard by brass band aficionados and by those who simply enjoy a great day out."

All of the bands involved in the Festival play for free, giving the event a unique atmosphere.

Impressive line up

Sue added: "The musicians never hear other bands play as they are normally in competition with each other. To sit with a pint and listen to the other bands is great fun for them.

It’s a very impressive line-up and it’s great that it’s a mixture of youth and prestigious adult bands. There is a really diverse range of music, which just adds to the fun."

The event also features a set from Festival Brass, a unique band formed for a single performance each year.

Bigger and bigger

Sue explained: "Festival Brass started because we had a space one year, rather than having a gap. It’s got bigger and bigger and now anyone from any band can play. Last year we had so many of them they were falling off the stage. It’s a real highlight of the weekend."

More information

More information on the Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival and the Last Night of the Proms concert can be found on the event website at www.ironbridgebandfestival.co.uk