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Howzat! Celebs give Brass Factor adjudication sporting sparkle

Yorkshire cricketer Ryan Sidebottom and former snooker star Willie Thorne will be two of the judges at the forthcoming Brass Factor entertainment contests.

Ryan Sidebottom
  Former England cricketer Ryan Sidebottom will be one of the Brass Factor judges this year.

Celebrity guests will join a panel of expert judges this month at one of the UK's most popular brass band events.

The 'Brass Factor' contest see bands entertain eager audiences at The Engine Shed, Wetherby and The Picturedrome, Holmfirth on the 12th and 19th of November respectively.

Celebrity judges

The Wetherby event will see Emmerdale television soap star John Bowe and former international English cricketer Ryan Sidebottom joining well known conductors Simon Wood and Lee Skipsey on the adjudication panel.

Meanwhile, former professional snooker player, Willie Thorne will be in Holmfirth with BBC Radio Leeds' 'Yorkshire Brass' presenter, David Hoyle, conductor Martin Hall and well known musician Sandy Smith.

Taking the form of a talent contest, 'Brass Factor' will showcase six bands from across Yorkshire competing for the coveted title of 'Brass Factor Winner'.

I'm incredibly excited to welcome our celebrity judges. This year we have sold tickets faster than ever and the support has been phenomenalFounder, Alex Bray

Unusual twist

Founder, Alex Bray told 4BR: "I'm incredibly excited to welcome our celebrity judges. This year we have sold tickets faster than ever and the support has been phenomenal.

The aim of the event is to promote brass band culture and young talent — with an unusual twist where the audiences will also receive the opportunity to vote for their favourites."

More information

For more information about Brass Factor or to purchase tickets visit: http://brassfactor.com/

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