Peter Bates, the North West Regional Secretary has announced to 4BR the five men who will judge at next month's contests taking place at the Winter Gardens complex in Blackpool on Sunday 9th March.

The chosen men

The judges who will make the all important decisions are as follows:

Championship Section: Dennis Wilby
First Section: Chris Wormald
Second Section: John Maines
Third Section: James Scott
Fourth Section: Geoffrey Whitham

Venues

With the North West Region being able to run all the five sections under one roof and on one day, Peter also confirmed which sections will take place and where.

The sections and allocated venues in running order are:

Opera House: 3rd and then Championship Section
The Ballroom: 2nd and then First Section
Spanish Hall: 4th Section

Record entry

A record entry of 80 bands is anticipated with the Third Section getting things underway at 10.00am with the various contests running through the day with the last result announced around 7.30-8pm.

Tickets are available for £8 with concessions priced at £5.