After their second successive victory at the North of England Regional Championship in Durham recently, the NASUWT Riverside Band has shown its intent to try and make it a major championship 'qualification double' at the British Open Spring Festival in a few weeks time.

The band has engaged Black Dyke Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs to lead the band on 'The Triumph of Time' at the Grand Shield contest on 12th May.

And after being placed just outside the qualification places in fourth at last year's contest, they are keen to carry on their fine 2018 form by gaining a first appearance at the British Open.

Move

The band has made the move as professional conductor Dave Roberts will be in Germany leading Rothwell Temperance in the Gala Concert of the German Championships and is therefore unavailable.

NASUWT Riverside Band Manager Tony Thompson told 4BR: "We have been very fortunate to have been able to secure the services of Prof Childs.

He has so much experience and expertise which will provide major benefits to the band at the contest."

The band has made the move as professional conductor Dave Roberts will be in Germany leading Rothwell Temperance in the Gala Concert of the German Championships and is therefore unavailable4BR

Hard working

In response the Black Dyke Director of Music, who has won the contest on three previous occasions with three separate bands, added: "NASUWT Riverside is a really hard working group with some great personalities.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Dave Roberts for preparing the piece so well and I'm really looking forward to working with the band."