The Halifax Youth Band Festival, hosted in partnership with Elland Silver Band will take place on Saturday 8th February at the town's magnificent Minster.

Special guests

This year the event will feature a special performance from the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Ambassador Ensemble, as well as from 9 training and youth bands from across the region perform.

Each will perform a 12-minute own choice programme showcasing their talents. The day will be rounded off with a grand massed band finale.

Taking part are Elland Silver Starter, Training & Youth Bands; Dobcross Training & Youth Band from Saddleworth; HD9 Youth Band from Huddersfield; Red Admiral Youth Band from Mawdesley; Hebden Bridge Junior Band; Shepherd Group Youth Band from York.

The festival is being organised jointly by Samantha Harrison, MD of Elland Silver Youth & Training bands and Cannon Hilary Barber from Halifax Minster. The performances will start at 1.30pm and conclude with the massed band performance at 5.00pm.

Grant help

Sam told 4BR: "The day will provide a wonderful opportunity for groups to listen and enjoy each other's performances. We have also received a £4000 Culturedale Enhancement grant, to help make the festival an even better experience for all the young musicians."

Sam added: "Thanks to the funding, a new piece has been commissioned from composer, Nick Brocklehurst, entitled 'Band Together' for all the musicians to perform in the massed band finale."

Thanks to the funding, a new piece has been commissioned from composer, Nick Brocklehurst, entitled 'Band Together' for all the musicians to perform in the massed band finaleSam Harrison

Video

It was also announced that Next Step Films have been commissioned to produce a promotional video to celebrate the festival, with all the performances being filmed and made available for viewing on the NXTOD on Demand viewing platform.

Funding has also been granted to create a work experience opportunity for a young professional to gain development working on an Arts project, with Hollie Wright, a media student at Salford University undertaking the task.

Tickets

Tickets for the event will be £10 and FREE to under 16's and can be purchased in ordered in advance from Eventbrite, Halifax Minster or on the door. Advanced bookings are advised.