A brand new band contest in being launched in the East Midlands later this year.

The East Midlands March & Hymn Contest will take place on 13th June at the Braybrooke Brewery and Taproom, North Northamptonshire.

Gap in calendar

Running in partnership with the successful ConsTest event, it will be adjudicated by the experienced Leigh Baker, with organisers stating that they were, "pleased to be able to bring a march and hymn contest to the Midlands after highlighting a gap in the contesting calendar."

There will be a generous prize fund with separate awards for Best March, Best Hymn and Best Instrumentalist.

Proud moment

Organiser Ben Smith told 4BR: "It's a proud moment to be organising a brass band contest in a location so close to where my banding roots are from. We are excited to be bringing this idea to life and am really looking forward to a brilliant day at an incredible venue."

He added: "My thanks go to Rob Tompkins and British Bandsman who have backed the event, and we look forward to welcoming entries to bands battling to become the British Bandsman East Midlands March and Hymn Champions!

To find out more and enquire about entry go to: EastMidHymnMarch@outlook.com