The draw has been officially announced for the 38th Brass in Concert Championship, to be held in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman at Sage Gateshead on Sunday 16th November.

Celebration

In celebration of the event’s tenth year in the iconic venue on the banks of the River Tyne, the draw was undertaken by Sage Gateshead General Director Anthony Sargent CBE and Programme Performance Director Ros Rigby OBE.

1. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
2. Cory
3. Virtuosi GUS
4. Foden’s
5. Brass Band Schoonhoven
6. Leyland
7. Brass Band of Central Florida
8. Grimethorpe Colliery
9. Woodfalls
10. Tredegar
11. Fairey
12. Flowers

Reflect

At the draw, Chairman of the Brass in Concert Championship Board, Trevor Caffull reflected on the success the event, which has become the leading entertainment contest in the banding world.

"Since moving to Sage Gateshead in 2005, Brass in Concert has cemented its position as the leading event of its type in this world-class venue."

This year’s festival will include a ‘Coffee Concert’ by the Dutch Champions Schoonhoven and a ‘Swing Masterclass’ by members of Brass Band of Central Florida.

Delighted

Trevor Caffull added: "We are delighted to have achieved all of this while still maintaining close links with the roots of the event through David Bennett, who has been part of the organising team since its inception, and Paul and Jacqueline Beere, who became involved through Paul’s father Cyril at the same time."

Success

Sage Gateshead General Director Anthony Sargent CBE was also keen point to the growing success of the event.

"Our relationship with the Brass in Concert Festival is very important and together we have enjoyed a terrific ten-year journey with many more years ahead of us.

Brass band music is in the DNA of the North East of England and this event is a major element in our mission to work with local musicians."

Our relationship with the Brass in Concert Festival is very important and together we have enjoyed a terrific ten-year journey with many more years ahead of usAnthony Sargent CBE

Adjudicators:

The adjudicators for the contets were confirmed as:

Quality of Performance: Alan Morrison & David Thornton
Programme Content: Paul Cosh
Entertainment and Presentation: Jo Wheeler & Steve Sykes
Soloists: Mike Kilroy

The Brass in Concert Championship will start at 9.00am, with the early evening results ceremony preceded by a short concert presented by the winner of the 2014 Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championship, Seindorf Beaumaris Youth Band, conducted by Gwyn Evans.

Tickets:

Tickets, priced at £28.00, £22.00 and £15.00, are available from www.thesagegateshead.org, ticketoffice@sagegateshead.com or by telephone on 0191 443 4661.

World of Brass in Concert takes place on the evening of Saturday 15 November (7.00pm), featuring Cory and Grimethorpe Colliery Bands. Tickets, priced at £22.00, £18.00 and £12.00, are available from the above outlets.

(image courtesy of John Stirzaker)