The 2018 RNCM Brass Band Festival is rounded off today in Manchester with a series of mouthwatering concerts appearances and attractions.

The three day event has already seen outstanding performances from its featured bands and soloists, with the promise of more to come from the likes of the RNCM Brass Band (11.00am), Glenn Van Looy (1.30pm), Cory (3.00pm) and Brighouse & Rastrick alongside Elland Youth Band (7.00pm).

In addition there will be a panel discussion in association with Brass Bands England about the benefits of creative musical thinking.

Delighted and thrilled

"I've been delighted and thrilled by the response of both the performers and the audiences," RNCM Festival Artistic Director Paul Hindmarsh told 4BR.

"Ticket sales are up, the bands have been on superb form and there has been a real musical buzz all weekend."

Radio 3

That was certainly the case as Radio 3 were on-hand on Saturday evening to record Black Dyke under Prof Nicholas Childs in a concert that featured eagerly awaited world premieres from the pens of Peter Graham and Paul Mealor, as well as a quite stunning solo appearance by the remarkable trombonist Peter Moore.

Earlier, Tredegar under Ian Porthouse presented an outstanding set which included another brace of premieres from Daniel Hall and Ludovic Neurohr, whilst Fairey linked up with pianist Jonathan Scott for a sumptious reprise of Edward Gregson's 'Concertante for Piano and Band'.

Youth link

Wardle Academy Youth Band showcased their prize-winning talents under MD Lee Rigg in a welcome link alongside the Junior RNCM Brass Band that successfully captured the imagination of a wider musical audience, whilst there was much to ponder with Brass Band England CEO, Andrew Coe's engaging presentation on banding well-being.

An additional highlight was the discussion panel led by Paul Hindmarsh with composers Liz Lane, John Pickard, Gavin Higgins and Paul Mealor (above) that brought clarity as well as passion to the fore in discussing their work and opinions on free musical education and their love of brass bands.

"I've been delighted and thrilled by the response of both the performers and the audiences. Ticket sales are up, the bands have been on superb form and there has been a real musical buzz all weekendFestival Artistic Director, Paul Hindmarsh

Superb start

The festival got off to a superb start on Friday evening with James Gourlay and Michael Fowles leading Foden's in an impressive concert programme appearance featuring fresh interpretations of classic test pieces from Arthur Bliss and John Ireland set against world premieres.

Highlights to look forward to today will include a world premiere of a new work by composer Lucy Pankhurst with the RNCM Brass Band and a recital by the Belgian euphonium superstar Glenn Van Looy.

Meanwhile, Cory will be showcasing a trio of brand new works from Christopher Bond, Derek Bourgeois and John Pickard (also being recorded by Radio 3), with the National Champion Brighouse & Rastick rounding the day off with music from Ray Steadman Allen to J.S. Bach with Elland Youth Band also featuring works that have brought them so much success.

Tickets for today's events can be purchased at the RNCM Box Office.