The organisers of the 40th Brass in Concert Festival, to be held in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman on the weekend of 19th & 20th November at Sage Gateshead, have announced that they are to increase the number of fringe events on the Saturday of the event.

Focus

This year's 'Focus on Youth and Education' has also received a boost with the award of Grants for the Arts funding from Arts Council England.

Brass in Concert spokesperson, John Woods expressed delight at this recent news to 4BR, which is the result of a concerted drive to raise additional funding to support Brass in Concert education events.

"This really does demonstrate to the brass band community that funding opportunities are available and acknowledges the work of Brass Bands England and Chairman Mike Kilroy in raising the profile of banding with funding bodies and at parliamentary level over recent months."

Key strands

The key strands this year are Brass & Percussion Workshops, Taster Sessions and Concourse Concerts by the Workshop Band and Youth Brass 2000, the 2016 Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Champion.

Philip Harper will open the event with a rehearsal at 9.00am, before students move to the music education studios for rehearsal sessions with key players from Cory Band, the reigning Brass in Concert.

Whilst the emphasis is on youth, players of all ages and standards are welcome.

Valued support

John concluded: "We acknowledge the valued support of Yamaha in providing instruments for use in the Taster Sessions taking place between 10.30am and 1.00pm.

Later in the afternoon, Brass Band Schoonhoven will give an informal concert with free coffee for all, whilst the day will also feature the 2015 US Open Champion Dublin Silver Band who will give a concert.

Dublin, Stavanger and Schoonhoven

In addition, those arriving early for the Gala Concert featuring Black Dyke and multi-instrumentalist James Morrison will have an opportunity to hear Stavanger Band, one of banding's most innovative and imaginative groups, delivering its own unique brand of brass entertainment.

This year's 'Focus on Youth and Education' has also received a boost with the award of Grants for the Arts funding from Arts Council England4BR

Book now

Places on the workshops will soon be released and can be booked by calling 07580 187974 or registering online at www.brassinconcert.com

Tickets for the Gala Concert and Championships can be purchased from the Sage Gateshead Box Office at ticketoffice@sagegateshead.com or by calling 0191 443 4661