After an absence over 60 years, a joint initiative between the Cadishead Public Band and the Andrew Cooke Music Trust will see the return of a contest to the famous banding area of Irlam in Manchester.
The 'Steelfesitval of Brass', is a new outdoor entertainment contest specifically for Third and Fourth Section band that will take place on Saturday 25th May on the Pavilion Stage at the Irlam Steel Club in Irlam, Manchester.
Six decades
A popular contest was held in Irlam from the mid 1880s to the 1920s, but it now makes a welcome return for the first time in over six decades with the attraction of a first prize of £750 and a prize fund of over £1000.
The event will form part of the Steelfest 2019 'Festival of Music' on the site, with the following day seeing music making from all genres of bands entertaining the crowds and raising funds and awareness of the Andrew Cooke Music Trust.
The Trust was established in 2012 as a memorial to Andrew Cooke who was a member of the Cadishead Public Band who passed away in 2001. It helps people in Salford by offering financial support for those wanting to pursue a career in the music industry, especially those experiencing financial difficulties in their studies.
Own-choice
Each band will be required to perform an own-choice programme of 25 minutes to include at least one piece arranged by Goff Richards.
The music adjudicator will be Wingates MD Paul Andrews, whilst Goff's wife Sue will judge the entertainment element.
Each band will be required to perform an own-choice programme of 25 minutes to include at least one piece arranged by Goff Richards4BR
Relaxed
The relaxed atmosphere means no registration requirements, although a list of players should be submitted to the contest organiser 7 days before the event, and players may play for more than one band if required. A maximum (but no minimum) of 30 players will be allowed to compete including percussion.
At the end of the contest, all the bands will be invited perform together for massed band performance of two pieces of music which will be issued to them before the event.
The closing date for entries is Thursday 2nd May.
More details
For more details contact:
Contest Organiser
David Dee
daviddee107@gmail.com
