The popular Wychavon Festival of Brass competition has announced a new date for its event in 2014, as well as an exciting partnership agreement with the British Open Championship.

New date

Following an extensive consultation process, the 2014 competition will now take place on Saturday 1st November, enabling the contest to attract even more bands to the Evesham High School venue which will now accommodate all sections on the one day.

Open agreement

In addition, a new agreement with the British Open Championship will mean that the winners of the Championship Section contest will gain an automatic invitation to compete at the Spring Festival at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

If the winning band is already competing there, the place will be offered to the highest placed band at the Wychavon contest which is not.

Delighted

Wychavon Chairperson Val Trim was understandably delighted at both announcements, as she told 4BR: "We are grateful to all the bands and interested parties who contacted us over the proposals for a new date for the 2014 event — and delighted that we are now able ink the contest into the calendar.

Evesham High School offers excellent facilities and the opportunity to run all the contests under the one roof in three excellent halls on the one day. It has been a decision that we believe will see the contest continue to flourish."

It is sure to give an extra incentive to competitors — as the invitation will be given to the highest placed band not already at the Senior Trophy at the Spring Festival in BlackpoolVal Trim

Spring Festival boost

Val added that this has also certainly been boosted by the news of the British Open connection.

"We are also very grateful to Martin and Karyn Mortimer for welcoming us to what we believe is a very exciting and innovative partnership.

It is sure to give an extra incentive to competitors — as the invitation will be given to the highest placed band not already at the Senior Trophy at the Spring Festival in Blackpool."