4BR has been informed that 2011 National Champion Brighouse & Rastrick has withdrawn from this year’s Brass in Concert competition.

Tour demands

The twice former winner will not compete at The Sage, Gateshead on 20th November due to the demands of their groundbreaking tour with folk artists, The Unthanks.

Band President Paul Beaumont explained to 4BR that the reason behind the decision was that the band was now extremely busy with their critically acclaimed tour with the group.

we have five concerts throughout the UK with The Unthanks between the 13th and 25th of September, and the phenomenal success of this venture has put huge pressure on the bandPaul Beaumont

Commitments

Paul stated: "We have sadly found that these commitments together with preparations for the Albert Hall where we will be defending our title as National Champion has not allowed us the required time to prepare a suitable and innovative programme for the contest."

He added: "For example, we have five concerts throughout the UK with The Unthanks between the 13th and 25th of September, and the phenomenal success of this venture has put huge pressure on the band. Unfortunately something had to give.

We fully expect to be competing at the contest next year and wish this year’s contest every success."

Replacement

No news has been released as yet to whether the organisers will replace the Yorkshire band, who were drawn 8 out of the 11 originally listed competing bands.