The North West Area Brass Band Association has announced that they are to expand the popular Rochdale Contest later this year.

After its successful return to the banding calendar in 2014 they will now include a youth contest and gala concert alongside its usual five competitive sections on Saturday 24th October.

Youth band contest and gala concert

The youth band entrants will be required to perform a 20 minute programme to include an own choice test piece, whilst the evening gala concert will feature 2014 champion, Milnrow.

The Sunday will once again be a full day of own-choice contesting, with bands from across the north of England and beyond competing for a share of the generous prize fund of over £5,000.

Confident

Association Chairman Richard Milton told 4BR: "Last year's contest was such a success that we feel confident that the expansion plans will give the weekend a real festival feeling.

Feedback from last year showed that people felt there was a need for a local youth band contest and gala concert — so that is what we will provide to our supportive audience and competing bands."

Last year's contest was such a success that we feel confident that the expansion plans will give the weekend a real festival feelingAssociation Chairman Richard Milton

Entry forms

Entry forms for both contests can be downloaded from the NWABBA website www.northwestbrassbands.org.uk