The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship have announced a change to the adjudication team for the 2016 contest.

Programme Content adjudicator Steve Sykes has requested to stand down and will be replaced by Mike Kilroy.

Standing down

BiC spokesperson John Woods told 4BR: "We booked Steve to adjudicate at this year's Brass in Concert Championship 18 months ago and at that time there were no foreseeable conflicts of interest.

However, since that time, his son Carlton has become an important member of Flowers Band. To avoid a situation that would involve Carlton missing out on the contest Steve has offered to stand down from judging at this year's event."

Professional manner

John added: "Steve took part in the first Brass in Concert Championship in 1977 so it would have been appropriate for him to have been there this year as part of the judging panel.

However, we completely understand the situation and wish to thank both Steve and Flowers Band for the professional manner in which this has been handled.

We are also grateful to Mike Kilroy who has agreed to step in as Programme Content judge."

Adjudication panel

The Brass in Concert Championship will be held at Sage Gateshead in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman on Sunday 20th November.

The confirmed adjudication panel is:
Quality of Performance: Les Neish and Florent Didier
Programme Content: Mike Kilroy
Entertainment and Presentation: Duncan Stubbs and Derek Southcott
Soloists: Katrina Marzella

we completely understand the situation and wish to thank both Steve and Flowers Band for the professional manner in which this has been handledBrass in Concert Championship

Exhibition

John Woods concluded: "Steve Sykes is just one of the many musicians featured in the celebration exhibition that takes place on the Sage Gateshead concourse from 17th-24th November.

Visitors should be sure to check out the vast collection of memorabilia including trophies, uniforms, programmes and photos from the past four decades of Brass in Concert, brought together for this special occasion by David Bennett."

Tickets

Tickets for World of Brass in Concert, featuring James Morrison and Black Dyke Band on Saturday 19 November are priced at £24.00, £18.00 and £10.00

Tickets for the Brass in Concert Championships on Sunday 20th November are priced at £30.00, £22.00 and £12.00.

Both are available from the Sage Gateshead Box Office on 0191 443 4661 or www.sagegateshead.com