Newly crowned European champion Black Dyke has confirmed that they will defend their English National Championship title in Preston on 23rd June, despite already having pre-qualified for the 2013 European Championships in Oslo.

English defence

Fresh from their Rotterdam success, where they took the title for a record 12th time, they informed 4BR that they will be in the line up of bands in Preston in a few weeks time.

Meanwhile, the band is still recovering from its latest success, with MD Dr Nicholas Childs taking time out to try and answer the hundreds of messages of congratulations he has received from Pondasher fans all over the banding world.

As soon as the result was announced my phone was filled with voice mails and text messages, but when I finally got back home I was swamped by e-mails, letters and cards tooDr Nicholas Childs

World wide

"It’s been amazing," he told 4BR. "I don’t think we have ever had so many messages from so many well wishers. As soon as the result was announced my phone was filled with voice mails and text messages, but when I finally got back home I was swamped by e-mails, letters and cards too."

He added: "We have such a fan base around the banding world that it makes this success even more special. I will promise to try and get a reply to as many people as possible, but I can assure everyone who congratulated us that it was very much appreciated."

Busy schedule

Black Dyke’s busy schedule means that they will already have played in two major concerts less than a week after their success, topped by an appearance at Bridgewater Hall this Sunday.

Thanks

"It’s an opportunity to say a musical thank you," the MD added. "I must also place on record our thanks for the financial support we received from Bradford City Council’s Department of Culture and Regeneration.

We are proud ambassadors for the city and that support meant a great deal to us on what turned out to be a historic weekend."