The Fairey Band has announced that they will be taking to the stage at Symphony Hall next week with a few changes to their usually settled personnel list.

Principal

MD Phil Chalk told 4BR that due to a minor operation regular principal cornet player Mike Eccles is unable to play and so the top seat will be taken by Laura Hirst, whilst her place on repiano will be taken by Neil Hewson.

Unfortunately Mike and Lisa are unavailable, but we have been very fortunate to replace them for the contest with two superb depsMD, Phil Chalk

Solo trombone

Meanwhile solo trombone player Lisa Sarasini is currently in Finland playing with one of the major orchestras there and so her place will be taken by her friend Roz Davies.

Superb deps

Phil told 4BR: "Unfortunately Mike and Lisa are unavailable, but we have been very fortunate to replace them for the contest with two superb deps.

"Laura is an uintergal member of the band and has stepped wonderfully up to the top seat, whilst it is always nice to welcome Neil back into the ranks. Roz is a wonderful performer too and so we head for the contest full of confidence."