Lytham St. Annes in Lancashire, is usually more famous for hosting the world famous British Open Golf Championships. However, it is now getting ready to host its first Brass Festival on Saturday 21st March.

Slow Melody & Quartet Contest

Organised by popular local musician and piano teacher, Sylvia Howard, the day will take the form of a Slow Melody and Quartet Competition, with an evening concert by the popular Freckleton Band.

Players do not need to be registered with any band, and trumpets, as well as cornets, are allowed!Organisers

Sections

The competition is split in to several sections; a Slow Melody contest with 3 sections for Under 12’s, 12 to 16’s and an Open category, and then an under 16’s Quartet and an Open Quartet contest.

Interesting entries

The adjudicator is the respected conductor Malcolm Brownbill, and the festival has more realistic entrance criteria than some!

Players do not need to be registered with any band, and trumpets, as well as cornets, are allowed! The Quartets can be made up of any 4 brass instruments, and the players do not have to be from the same band or ensemble. Any and all brass instrumentalists are encouraged to take part.

Performance chance

The winner of the Open Solo competition will be offered the chance to perform with the band at a later date as guest soloist if they wish.

The whole day and the evening concert will take place at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Church Road, Lytham, FY8 5PX

Full Details and application forms can be found at http://www.freckletonband.co.uk/BrassFestival.php