The City of Chester Band has officially announced that they will not take part in the Fourth Section National Finals at Cheltenham despite claiming the North West Area title in Blackpool on the weekend.

Forfeited

Under the direction of Philip Mottershead, the band won the contest on the set work, ‘A Devon Fantasy’, but as they had agreed prior to the contest not to sign with the Brass Band Players Registry, they forfeited their opportunity to play at the Finals.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It was a day of mixed emotions for the band, as conductor Philip Mottershead was making his last appearance with the band.

We are grateful to the North West Regional Committee for allowing bands who remained registered with Brass Bands England, rather than the new Brass Band Players registry, to compete at Blackpool."

They added: "We entered the contest in the full knowledge that, if successful, it was unlikely we could be invited to the National Finals. Rather, the band entered to support the event and to try and achieve an improved grading."

We entered the contest in the full knowledge that, if successful, it was unlikely we could be invited to the National FinalsCity of Chester Band

Promotion

It is understood that after Sunday’s result, the band may be promoted to the Third Section.

Tey concluded: "We send our good wishes to all bands that will be playing in their respective sections in the National Finals in the autumn."