With less than a week to go before the start of the Besson 43rd National Band Championships 4BR has been informed that there is a palpable air of excitement and anticipation.

Finishing touches

Across the island, bands are putting their final touches to their pieces. Extra rehearsals have been arranged to polish the challenging test pieces which bands have, by all accounts been very well received by the bands competing.

The Championships will take place in the University Concert Hall Limerick, which was the first purpose built concert hall in Ireland.

In today's fast paced world the Championships are something of an oasis and offer musicians the chance to take a break from their busy lives, congregate together and catch up with old acquaintancesJohn Kelly

Excited

The Hall has a variable acoustic which can be tailored to suit the need of each performance so there can be no excuses explained John Kelly PRO of the Irish Association of Brass & Concert Bands to 4BR.

"We are very excited about our relationship with Besson," noted John. "The main thing for us [the IABCB] was that our main sponsor would have a strong heritage and reputation for quality."

An extensive trade show at the Championships will see main sponsors Besson exhibit their new range of instruments.

Fast paced world

John added: "But the Besson National Band Championships are much more than a competition. In today's fast paced world the Championships are something of an oasis and offer musicians the chance to take a break from their busy lives, congregate together and catch up with old acquaintances."

Other attractions

As well as the main Championships there will also be a Dance Band competition on Saturday 29th followed by entertainment for all bands participating over the Championship weekend.

Tickets for the weekend are available from the UCH website: www.uch.ie or on the day from the box office.