There will be a strong line up of 10 competitors for this year's BrassPass UK Band of the Year Contest, which will take place at the Albert Halls, Bolton on Saturday 23rd May.

Terrific line-up

Contest organiser Martin Gernon told 4BR: "Once again, we have a terrific line up. Whilst the inaugural event was a testing ground for the contest, it was a huge success.

Bands, audience and the huge on-line listeners appreciated the format of a 30-minute playing set of serious repertoire, which saw only one piece duplicated.

This format showcases the positive aspects of what bands can do and I expect the programme choices to be even more mouth-watering than last year. We had several world premieres last year and from what I hear from the bands, more can be expected — we cannot wait!"

New venue

Speaking about the move to a new venue, he added: "We've moved to the Albert Halls for a number of reasons — firstly, as the increased audience capacity will create a terrific atmosphere whilst still remaining intimate.

The bar and catering facilities for the audience are much better and so too the rehearsal and warm up facilities for the bands, giving the perfect ingredients for a great day of contesting.

We want this contest to set the benchmark in every aspect and I'm grateful for the organising team behind me in ensuring this happens."

Afternoon start

Martin confirmed that there will be no gala concert this year. The contest will start at 2.00pm, with a scheduled finish of 9.30pm and a commitment that the results will be no later than 15 minutes after the final band has performed on stage.

Following the contest there will be Brass Party and cabaret also held in the Albert Halls.

This format showcases the positive aspects of what bands can do and I expect the programme choices to be even more mouth-watering than last yearContest organiser, Martin Gernon

Open adjudication

Open adjudication with a team of three internationally renowned adjudicators will once again be used. They will rank the bands 1-10, with the lowest aggregate score claiming the title.

Each band must include a soloist, which will also be ranked from 1-10. In the event of a tie for any position, the higher ranked soloist will take precedence for the overall result standing. Frank Renton will compere and earlier on the same day, the finals of the Young Brass Award will be held at the same venue.

Competing bands:

Black Dyke
Brighouse & Rastrick
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Cory (defending champion)
Fairey
Flowers
Hammonds
Tredegar
Whitburn
Wingates

Tickets are on sale through: www.quaytickets.com/Online/mapSelect.asp