It has been reported in British Bandsman that former Norwegian Champion Stavanger and current British Open holders, Cory have accepted invitations to compete at this year’s Brass in Concert Championship in November.

Gala Concert

It was reported that Stavanger will also perform at the pre-contest Gala Concert with current Brass in Concert champion Brighouse & Rastrick, whilst Cory will return to the contest for the first time since 2005.

The Brass in Concert Festival has had an international element every year now since the move to The Sage Gateshead and I believe this has become a vital ingredient in the success of the eventTrevor Caffull

International flavour

Trevor Caffull, Managing Director of SP&S Ltd was reported as saying: "The Brass in Concert Festival has had an international element every year now since the move to The Sage Gateshead and I believe this has become a vital ingredient in the success of the event."

He added: "We already have bands from overseas expressing an interest in attending Brass in Concert in 2009, so this international flavour looks set to continue and, maybe, develop in the future."

Competitors

11 bands have so far accepted the invitation to compete with the organizers reported to be in discussion with a twelfth to complete the 2008 line up.

Those confirmed to compete are: Brighouse & Rastrick; Grimethorpe Colliery; Desford Colliery; Fairey; YBS, Cory; Leyland; Stavanger; Reg Vardy; Fodens Richardson and Hepworth (Cookson Homes).