Brighouse & Rastrick has confirmed to 4BR that it plans to take up its invitation to compete at the 2016 European Championships in Lille next spring.

Long overdue return

Brighouse & Rastrick's invitation to compete in Lille comes after Black Dyke's victory earlier this month means that the winning country is entitled to send another band in addition to the title holder to compete at the prestigious competition.

With Brighouse finishing as the highest placed English band, behind the winners at the National Final last October, (in third place and pre-qualifying for London later in the year), it means that by virtue of Black Dyke's European triumph, they will be eligible to compete at the event where they last appeared in 2003.

Delighted

Brighouse's President, Paul Beaumont confirmed to 4BR that the West Riding outfit had received an invitation this week and are intending to go to Lille in a bid of being crowned European champion for the first time since 1998.

Brighouse & Rastrick has received an invitation to compete in Lille next year and we are looking forward to returning to the European contesting arenaPaul Beaumont

King returns

Paul also told 4BR that the band is delighted to welcome back its Professional Conductor, Professor David King (pictured above) who is leading the ensemble in a concert featuring various Geneva Instrument artistes including James Fountain, Lucy Cutt & Sheona White this weekend.

The Australian will also lead Brighouse's assault on the Whit Friday circuit in two weeks time.