Not since 1979 has Western Australia hosted the Australian Nationals and next Easter sees the Championships return the Perth.

With initial entries closing earlier this month, the event's organisers have announced that 20 brass bands, 18 concert bands and nearly 200 soloists have registered to compete.

From the outset, we wanted the 2013 Nationals to be something special... Now the entries are in, we can see that we’re not the only ones...Tony Schraven

Ecstatic

Tony Schraven, chairman of the organising committee, said. “We're ecstatic that our efforts have paid off. From the outset, we wanted the 2013 Nationals to be something special, something that will make the Eastern States bands glad they made the trip over the Nullarbor. Now the entries are in, we can see that we’re not the only ones who want Perth 2013 to be a Nationals to remember for a long, long time”.

A-Grade

The committee were also proud to announce to 4BR that 9 bands will compete in the A-Grade section including Brisbane Excelsior, Kew Band Melbourne and K&N Spring Gully Brass.

Last chance

Bands still wishing to participate still have the opportunity to do so but their entries need to be submitted by 11 January 2013.

The Yamaha National Band Championships take place at the University of Western Australia from 27 March to 1 April 2013.

Further information

Further information can be found on the website www.nationalbands2013.com or the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/nationalbands2013