The Northumberland Brass Band Association has announced details of their Annual Festival of Brass to be held on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April in Newbiggin Leisure Centre.

The festival is once again organized in collaboration with the Wansbeck Music Festival.

Saturday 26th April will see various classes for individuals’ duets and small ensembles and youth brass bands.

Highlight

The highlight of the day adjudicated by Brian Buckley will see the award of the prestigious James Shepherd performance prize. Once again a cash award in the form of a bursary will be awarded to the winner of this class open to any brass instrumentalist under the age of 21 years.

Once again a strong entry of over 50 entrants from all over the north will perform in Newbiggin sports and community centre Wansbeck suite.

The success of last year’s event and its high profile visitors provided significant local interest and we hope bands will continue to support our event over the whole weekendSecretary Tony Griffiths

Open Contest

Sunday 27th Newbiggin will again play host to our open brass band contest. Ten Bands from around the north will perform an own choice test piece again adjudicated by Brain Buckley.

Prizes will be awarded to overall winners and bands placed highest in their respective sections.

Tony Griffiths, Secretary of the Association told 4BR: "The success of last year’s event and its high profile visitors provided significant local interest and we hope bands will continue to support our event over the whole weekend."

Further information

Further information is available from the Association either by e-mail, tonygriffithsnb@yahoo.co.uk or nbbaemail@yahoo.co.uk or by phone 01670 814595

All events take place in Newbiggin sports and Community Centre, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. Saturday's event will commence at 09-30am. Sunday will begin at 12.00 midday. Tickets are available from the venue.