Bolsover District Council has informed 4BR that it is committed to expanding the experience of brass band music making in the region as well as entertain brass band enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

Further changes

2011 will see further changes to the successful formula used at their Bolsover Festival of Brass.

This year the Festival will incorporate a Charity Entertainment Contest on Saturday 10th September, which will feature the talents of the popular Boobs & Brass, up against the forces of five of the regions best known re-united bands — Jones and Crosslands/Heart of England, Ransomes, Rhodian Brass and William Davis.

Competitive colours

Former players and conductors of each of the five bands will don their competitive colours once again to form a quintet of ‘veteran’ re-united bands to try and rekindle their old competitive juices as well as getting back together to celebrate as well as reflect on banding times past and present.

After all the music has been played everyone is getting together for a celebratory meal and social re-union.

New initiatives

Carole Crompton, Arts Development Officer from Bolsover District Council told 4BR: "We are very excited at the new initiative of holding a charity event to support Boobs & Brass and their inspiring fund raising for Breast Cancer Research – a charity regularly supported by the Council."

She added: "This unique contest will be a friendly ‘no rules’ event, so everyone will wait with bated breath to see just what these great old bands come up with against the girls. It’s not to be missed!"

We are very excited at the new initiative of holding a charity event to support Boobs & Brass and their inspiring fund raising for Breast Cancer Research – a charity regularly supported by the CouncilCarole Crompton

No rules

The initiative was an idea that came from soprano star and adjudicator for the contest, Alan Wycherley who had always wanted to organise a competition with no rules. His wish has come true.

The event will take place at Kissingate Leisure Centre, Park Road, Shirebrook, Mansfield, Notts, NG20 8JQ commencing at 4pm.

Tickets are £4 available on the door or by downloading a form and posting off for tickets from http://www.bolsover.gov.uk/bolsover-brass-festival.html

More information

For more information contact Carole Hirst at carole.hirst@bolsover.gov.uk or call on 07979 240423.

If your band is interested in taking part in the charity re-union entertainment contest event for 2012, then please contact Carole Hirst as above for more details.

Bolsover Festival of Brass Contest

Meanwhile, on Sunday 11th September, the Bolsover Festival contests has moved to Mount St Mary’s College, Spinkhill, Derbyshire.

The day will commence at 9.30am with two venues running simultaneously. The venue is self-contained with rehearsal venues, catering and bar facilities.

Entry to this event is by programme costing £6 available on the door.

The Championship Section contest will conclude with a short performance by Boobs & Brass whilst the adjudicator prepares the results.

Solo, duet & ensembles

This Festival will conclude with a solo, duet and quartet contest on Sunday 18th September held at Creswell Social Centre, Elmton Rd, Creswell, Worksop, Notts.

Please visit the Council’s website for more details.

Wish to enter?

There is still time to enter this year’s Festival of Brass. To download an entry form and section rules visit http://www.bolsover.gov.uk/bolsover-brass-festival.html

Bolsover District Council is proud to announce once more that Mercury Newspapers of Sheffield are sponsoring the event as part of a three year sponsorship agreement. For more details on Mercury Newspapers please visit http://www.mercurynewspaper.co.uk/