The University of Nottingham Band has announced some exciting new ventures as part of its preparation for the 2016 UniBrass Championships later this month at Warwick Arts Centre.

Grant, Baker and Baker

As well as securing the services of two well-known brass band conductors to take workshop-style rehearsals, the band has also engaged the services of a former Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary as part of its programme!

On the musical front, the band has been working with Brett Baker and Brian Grant, with both taking workshop sessions and rehearsals as part of the band's preparation.

Chancellor of the Exchequer

However, the band has really broken new ground by linking up with the former Tory Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary Kenneth Clarke to provide the voice-over for their space-themed programme.

Full details of the programme remain under-wraps until the contest day, but the renowned music lover's distinctive oratory skills should provide an exciting addition to their innovative programme.

Notts MP

The MP has a Nottingham connection as he attended Nottingham High School before reading Law at Cambridge. He is currently the fifth longest serving cabinet minister of modern times, and has been MP the Nottingham constituency of Rushcliffe since 1970.

He was certainly pleased to help the band: "The combination of a brass band and space exploration was a unique experience for me! I enjoyed it,"he said.

The combination of a brass band and space exploration was a unique experience for me! I enjoyed itFormer Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kenneth Clarke

Huge name

Meanwhile, the band's management were thrilled to be able to work with one of the most recognisable politicians in the country.

They told 4BR: "Ken Clarke is a huge name in British politics, as well as being very closely associated with the city of Nottingham. Working with him was an absolute pleasure and most of the recording time was taken up with Ken entertaining us all with stories and quips from varied career in politics.

We really hope people enjoy our programme at UniBrass as much as we have enjoyed working on it!"