The organisers of the 38th Brass in Concert Championship have revealed an international line-up of competing bands for this year’s contest, the tenth to be held at the iconic Sage Gateshead.

Debut and return

The event on Sunday 16th November will see a debut for reigning Dutch National Champion, Brass Band Schoonhoven, as well as the return of the ever popular Americans of Brass Band of Central Florida, who came so close to winning the title in 2011.

They will join Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Cory, Fairey, Flowers, Foden’s, Grimethorpe Colliery, Leyland, Tredegar Town and Virtuosi GUS to complete one of the strongest line ups since the contest moved to Gateshead’s iconic musical venue in 2005.

Delighted

Speaking to 4BR on behalf of the organising team, John Woods said: "We are delighted that this year’s line-up will include Brass Band of Central Florida and Brass Band Schoonhoven. Both bands will feature in other events during the weekend festival, details of which will be announced soon."

John added: "The event has become one of the key attractions on the brass band calendar in the marvellous surroundings of one of the most distinctive and welcoming venues, and will again be presented by Frank Renton.

We are looking forward to what promises to be one of the most exciting weekends we have had in our ten years at Sage Gateshead."

Draw and tickets

The draw for order of play will be made in June. Tickets, priced £28.00, £22.00 and £15.00, will be available from 31st March from the Sage Gateshead Box Office at www.sagegateshead.org or by telephoning 0191 443 4661.

We are looking forward to what promises to be one of the most exciting weekends we have had in our ten years at Sage GatesheadJohn Woods

Gala Concert

It was also announced that the Saturday evening World of Brass in Concert gala event will feature defending champion Cory and 15-time winner Grimethorpe Colliery.

John concluded: "We have a great weekend of the highest quality music making to enjoy. Details of the adjudication panel will be released very soon, as well as exciting news about the Saturday Focus on Youth and Education, at which new and innovative events are currently being scheduled.

With such a fabulous line-up for both the concert and the contest, we expect demand for tickets to be very high this year so early booking is highly recommended."

Tickets for the concert, priced £22.00, £18.00 and £12.00, are also available from the Sage Gateshead Box Office at www.sagegateshead.org or by telephoning 0191 443 4661.