Due to the anticipated traffic problems surrounding the appearance of the Olympic Torch relay near to the Guild Hall in Preston on Saturday, the British Federation of Brass Bands have announced that the start time for the English National Championship contest has been put back to 10.30am.

Sensible measure

Spokesperson Sally Coleman told 4BR: "This is a sensible measure to enable bands and supporters to have a little more time to make travel arrangements to the contest venue."

Sally also revealed that to help the bands, a pre-draw has taken place for the set work, with the own choice draw now taking place in the Celebrity Restaurant at 11.00am.

the start time for the English National Championship contest has been put back to 10.30am4BR

Grateful

"We are grateful to all the bands for their assistance with this," she added. "The decisions will hopefully make any travel arrangement less problematic, so we hope as many people as possible will come along and support what promises to be a wonderful contest."