After a record breaking 2013, with no less than 49 bands taking part over the contest weekend, the organisers of the Bolsover Festival of Brass have opened entries for 2014.

Dates

The dates are set as Saturday 4th October for the Charity Entertainment Contest to be staged at Shirebrook Leisure Centre, with the main Bolsover Festival of Brass contest taking place the next day (Sunday 5th) at Heritage High School in Clowne commencing at 10.00am.

Feedback changes

Following helpful feedback received from bands, it is also planned to include a ‘Real Ale Day’ on the main Festival of Brass contest day at Clowne to add to the atmosphere and enjoyment.

4BR was informed that Bolsover District Council has also worked on improving the acoustic of the performance arena where the lower sections are held and are trialling the use of use a large marquee which the bands will perform under.

Acting

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are acting on the helpful feedback we received so that the marquee will contain heavy drapes to dampen the sound to help impact on the acoustic. Hopefully, the audience should hear a more contained sound with less reverberation."

They added: "All band comperes must use the PA system provided to ensure that everyone can hear the introductions to the excellent music making too. If this development works then it is hoped that a heavily draped marquee will be used in future years."

Percussion

It was also revealed that Bolsover District Council will also allow limited percussion into the rehearsal facilities, although it will have to be removed from the premises immediately after the rehearsals due to space limitations.

Meanwhile, in the main hall where the Championship Section takes place, a section of the restaurant area will be closed off for bands to have more space to line up before their performance.

Improve

The spokesperson concluded: "Bolsover District Council is striving to continually improve the experience for competing bands and audiences alike and have fed all the feedback into the development of this year’s event."

Bolsover District Council is striving to continually improve the experience for competing bands and audiences alike and have fed all the feedback into the development of this year’s eventOrganisers

More information and entries

Bands wishing to enter can download the entry form and up-to-date rules from http://www.bolsover.gov.uk/index.php/leisure-and-culture/arts

For more information please contact: carole.hirst@bolsover.gov.uk