Leyland’s growing profile as the leading band in the North West of England has been boosted after an appearance on the regional BBC news programme ‘North West Tonight’.

Millions

The daily early evening programme has a potential news reach of well over 3 million people, and following the band’s latest success in claiming a qualification place for the 2013 European Championships in Oslo, they sent an outside broadcast unit and presenter to the bandroom on Monday night to find out more.

Short notice

Band spokesperson Brian Hayes told 4BR that the players responded at short notice to play live on air in their famous ‘whites’.

"Monday was a bit hectic to say the least," he explained. "Since winning the Brass in Concert title and the Area we are becoming a good news story for the North West region. After the local radio station reported on the latest success at Preston on Monday morning, we were then approached to appear on 'North West Tonight' the same night."

Since winning the Brass in Concert title and the Area we are becoming a good news story for the North West regionBrian Hayes

Signature tune

The band was shown playing their signature tune ‘Royal Tiger’ under the baton of resident conductor Leigh Baker, with the presenter giving out the full details of the band’s latest success and the drive that will now start to raise the £25,000 to get the band to Norway next year.

Priceless

Brian believes the coverage will give the band a great head start.

"Media coverage like this is priceless for brass bands. We have already had so many people contact us offering their congratulations and we are already looking forward towards Oslo."

He concluded: "There is such a great spirit and self belief within the band and an even greater determination to build on this latest result at the Open and Nationals – and then onto Norway."