The line -up and draw has been announced for the Brass in Concert Championship, which will be held at Sage Gateshead on Sunday 15th November.
The draw was made at the iconic banding venue this week by Harry and Janice Banks, familiar faces as well as long-time sponsors and supporters, with 11 bands set to compete for the honour of being declared 2015 champion.
Draw:
The competing bands and draw are confirmed as follows:
1. Leyland
2. Virtuosi GUS
3. East Yorkshire Motor Services
4. Wingates
5. Woodfalls
6. Cory
7. Flowers
8. Grimethorpe Colliery
9. Friary Guildford
10. Hammonds Saltaire
11. Reg Vardy
In and out
Speaking on behalf of the Brass in Concert management team, John Woods commented: "We are delighted to announce that Flowers Band has reconsidered its earlier decision to withdraw and will now appear.
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Fairey and Tredegar have confirmed that they are not to accept their invitations to this year's contest.
We are grateful to all the bands that have been involved in our recent discussions and will now be especially pleased to welcome East Yorkshire Motor Services, Friary Guildford, Hammonds Saltaire and Wingates."
Flowers return
Flowers Band Manager, Lee Downie, confirmed his band's decision, stating: "Brass in Concert is a prestigious banding event in a superb location with first-class facilities and we are pleased to be able to return to the line-up this year now that the earlier issues have been addressed and an apology received from the event's management.
We look forward to our appearance there and the chance to build our burgeoning reputation amongst the finest bands in the country."
Outstanding event
Acknowledging the difficult issues that led to the withdrawals, John Woods concluded: "The Brass in Concert Festival offers its best wishes to Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Fairey and Tredegar and looks forward to welcoming them back to future events.
The 2015 Championship promises to be an outstanding event, with 11 of our finest bands competing in one of the best concert halls in the world, while the audience can be sure that the events involving Black Dyke, Philip Cobb, Yamaha Neo Ensemble, Elland Silver Youth Band and the ever-popular Workshop Band that will take place on the Saturday also promise to be a great success."
