There is still time to grab a ticket to enjoy the world class brass band entertainment on offer at the 41st Brass in Concert Championships at Sage Gateshead this weekend.

4BR will be making the trip to cover the two days which are packed with brilliant bands, workshops, concerts and hours of fantastic music making.

Premier entertainment title

The 41st Brass in Concert Championships on Sunday has arguably the strongest field ever assembled to compete for the banding world's premier entertainment title.

Held in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman, the line-up has been described by BiC Chairman John Woods as 'stellar', as defending champion Cory face an international field of rivals.

There are three overseas bands this year in the shape of Norwegian National champion Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag, Fountain City for the USA and Paris Brass Band, whilst both Foden's and Tredegar return to the line-up for the first time since 2014.

Stellar

Brass in Concert Chairman John Woods told 4BR: "We are delighted that the 41st Championship will feature such a stellar line-up — arguably the strongest since the event began in 1977.

We are especially pleased to be joined by three outstanding bands from overseas in Eikanger-Bjørsvik, Fountain City and debutants Paris Brass Band, as well as the return of two outstanding UK bands."

Saturday also sees Philip Harper and stars from Cory Band leading a great Workshop Band of over 125 young players performing at a special concourse concert at 2.30pm, whilst at 1.30pm there is the chance to hear the brilliant youngsters of Wardle Academy Band — Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment champions, in concert.

In addition there are the ever popular 'Taster Sessions', presented in association with Yamaha, which will take place from 10.30am to 1.15pm, offering anyone wishing to blow a brass instrument for the very first time with the chance to do so.

Yamaha feature

Yamaha will also present a new feature with a free marimba masterclass from percussion virtuoso Le Yu in the Northern Rock Foundation Hall. Don't miss it as space is limited!

All this and European and Siddis champion Eikanger-Bjorsvik led by conductor Reid Gilje will provide a concourse performance at 5.00pm — providing a wonderful aperitif to Saturday evening's Gala Concert with Cory Band and the male vocal group Only Men Aloud at 7.00pm.

Vibrant

BiC Chairman John Woods added: "The Saturday programme is the most vibrant we have ever presented. There are over 125 youngsters from primary schools in the North East who have already signed up for the workshops.

The outstanding concourse concert line-up also promises to be fantastic entertainment with the opportunity to hear the 2017 Norwegian, European and Siddis champions in action for free before the groundbreaking event with Cory and Only Men Aloud!"

We are delighted that the 41st Championship will feature such a stellar line-up — arguably the strongest since the event began in 1977BiC Chairman, John Woods

Brass in Concert competing bands:

Brighouse & Rastrick
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Cory
Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag
Flowers
Foden's
Fountain City
Grimethorpe Colliery
Leyland
Paris Brass Band
Tredegar
Virtuosi GUS

Tickets:

Tickets for the Brass in Concert Championship on Sunday 19th November (priced £30.00, £22.00 and £12.00) and World of Brass in Concert (Saturday 18th November — £27.00, £18.00 and £10.00) are available at www.sagegateshead.com or by calling the ticket office on 0191 443 4661.