The sound of top class brass band music making will be heard amid the gothic surroundings of Rochdale Town Hall once again, following the news that the North West Area Brass Band Association will run a contest at the venue later this year.

Welcome return

The popular Rochdale Contest last took place in 2000 before moving to a local school for the a further three year spell, so its long overdue return will be welcomed by the banding community in the area.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The North West Area Brass Band Association (NWABBA) has a long history of organising band contests as well as workshops to support its member band. The NWABBA Rochdale Contest will take place on Sunday 26th October and will be open to all bands but with special prizes for member bands."

Hotbed

NWABBA Vice Chairman Richard Milton added: “The Association has been looking to hold a contest to run as a sister event to our popular Buxton Brass Band Festival in April and wanted to choose a venue that would draw bands from a wide region.

Rochdale is still a hotbed of brass bands at all levels so we decided to approach Rochdale Town Hall whose team have been exceptionally helpful with our plans.”

Rochdale is still a hotbed of brass bands at all levels so we decided to approach Rochdale Town Hall whose team have been exceptionally helpful with our plansNWABBA Vice Chairman Richard Milton

Four Sections

The contest will have 4 sections, nationally graded Fourth, Third and Second, with a mint First and Championship Section. Details and entry forms will be available soon, with further details available by email from richardmilton@me.com