The organisers of the Brass in Concert Festival, to be held at Sage Gateshead on the weekend of 18th/19th November have announced significant funding boosts ahead of the event.

Already backed by Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman, additional help has now come from Arts Council England's 'Grants for the Arts' scheme, Sir James Knott Trust, Joicey Trust, Barber Foundation and the William Leech Charity.

Fringe support

The support will now underpin the Festival's popular fringe events, as spokesperson John Woods told 4BR. "Concerted efforts to gain the additional funding required to secure the financial future of Festival has been rewarded — with the support emphasising the importance it holds not just in the banding world.

It also demonstrates that funding opportunities are available, particularly when a coordinated, collaborative approach is taken."

John continued: "We would like to thank the executives and trustees of these bodies for their considerable contributions and look forward to presenting what we are sure will be yet another highly successful Brass in Concert Festival."

Grimethorpe in Concert

The news follows the announcement of a special concert by Grimethorpe Colliery Band to celebrate the centenary of the most successful band in the 40-year history of the contest.

John Woods added: "It has been our intention to expand the Festival's scope and the centenary of the most successful band in contest's history seemed like an ideal reason to start.

With support from long standing sponsor, Banks Group, we will present 'Grimethorpe in Concert' at Durham Cathedral in April next year in a type of concert that has seen them notch up 17 wins at Brass in Concert since 1977. It's not to be missed."

Concerted efforts to gain the additional funding required to secure the financial future of Festival has been rewarded — with the support emphasising the importance it holds not just in the banding worldJohn Woods

Grimethorpe tickets

Tickets for Grimethorpe Colliery Band at Durham Cathedral on 14th April are priced at £17 & £20, available exclusively (please do not call the Cathedral) from Gala Theatre Durham Box Office on 03000 266 600 or online atwww.galadurham.co.uk/book-online/?webeventid=3368

Brass in Concert tickets

Tickets for 'World of Brass in Concert' on Saturday 18th November, featuring 'Brass & Voices at the Movies' with Cory Band and Only Men Aloud (priced £27.00, £18.00 and £10.00) and the Brass in Concert Championship on Sunday 19th November (£30.00, £22.00 and £12.00), are available at www.sagegateshead.com or from the Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661.