Foden's will fly across the North Sea this weekend to head the entertainment at the 10th Aalborg Brass Festival.

21 bands and two ensembles will take part in five sections of competition, making it the biggest event of its kind in Denmark. To celebrate the anniversary a newly formed Childrens Brass Band will link up with the North West Area champion who will give two concerts on their visit, including the main Gala Concert.

Visionary

The Aalborg Music Festival was founded in 2008 by Henrik Juul-Brinkmann as a local entertainment contest which was initially arranged for just a single year. However, due to its popularity it has since grown each year and is now widely recognised as one of the most visionary musical festivals in the country.

Over the years a number of leading UK brass banding personalities have enjoyed visiting Aalborg, whilst in 2015 the contest itself opened its doors to competitors from outside the country.

Real dream

Henrik Juul-Brinkmann told 4BR: "We are extremely proud of the progress we continue to make — and to reach the 10th anniversary is something we are all very proud of.

We welcome Foden's — a real dream come true for me as a great fan of the band, and I'm delighted that Mark Wilkinson, Mark Bousie, Michael Fowles and John Barber will form the adjudication team."

We are extremely proud of the progress we continue to make — and to reach the 10th anniversary is something we are all very proud of Henrik Juul-Brinkmann

Looking forward

In reply, Mark Wilkinson added: "Our thanks go to Henrik and his team for inviting Foden's to Denmark for this increasingly prestigious festival.

The band is looking forward to performing in two concerts where they will provide an entertaining programme that will also include an early opportunity to hear 'Fraternity', the 2017 British Open test piece."