If you want to get an early taste of the music that is on offer at the Regional Championships in both Blackpool and Bradford over the next few weeks then there are no less than three test pcie performance nights to go along and enjoy.

Warrington

On Thursday 17th February at the Salvation Army Citadel, Academy Street, Warrington, five bands will perform each of the works to be featured this year – from Championship to Fourth Section.

It all starts at 7.30pm and will feature Pemberton Old DW; Rainford; Greenalls; Old Hall Brass and Parr Band

Entry is free, yet any donations would be gratefully received to cover the cost of the hall hire.

Saddleworth

The Saddleworth Area test piece evening will be held at the Boarshurst Band Club, Greenbridge Lane, Greenfield, Saddleworth on Sunday 19th February.

Two adjudicators have been engaged to give each band a written adjudication on the five set works to be played to assist in their preparation prior to the North West Area Contest.

The evening will commence at 7.30pm with Greenfield Band, followed by Boarshurst Silver, Dobcross Silver, Diggle Band the finally Milnrow Band.

Each band will play a short warm up item and follow it with their respective set work.

As normal everyone is welcome and a charge of £2-50 per person will be charged to cover expenses.

Elland

Meanwhile in Yorkshire you have the choice of two nights as Hebden Bridge, Lindley Band and Elland Silver show off their test pieces for Bradford with an open rehearsal on Saturday 25h February at 7.00pm at All Saints Church Savile Road, Elland.

Each band will play a hymn tune followed by their test piece and there is a nominal entry fee of £2.00 per person. Tickets available on the door and light refreshments will be served.

Skelmanthorpe

Also the Skelmanthorpe Band will be holding their Regional Championships Test Piece Evening on the same night at 6.30pm at Pilling Lane Methodist Chapel, Skelmanthorpe.

Bands from each of the five sections have been invited to perform a hymn tune and their set test piece in order to give them the benefit of performing the music in front of a live audience.

Golcar Band, Skelmanthorpe B, Strata Brass, Knottingley Silver and Skelmanthorpe will perform their set works.

There will be a nominal entrance fee to non players of £1.00 payable on the night. Refreshments will be available.