The Pontin’s Brass Band Festival organisers have announced the test pieces for this year's contests that will take place on the weekend of Friday 23rd October.

36th anniversary

This year the contest will celebrate its 36th anniversary with a set of testing and enjopyable set works chosen by James Scott.

Meanwhile, residents have been promised a great weekend of entertainment, featuring the British Army Band, the Bavarian Stompers and others.

Incentives

Incentives to bands include, no entry fee increase for third year, consistency with the prize fund for all sections, affordable weekend accommodation package with FREE Sunday night and discount for groups of 8 or more apartments booked.

There is free electricity cards for Classic & Budget apartments booked early, 30 p./mile travel allowance to all resident bands regardless of travel method, refund of half Entry Fee to resident bands or 160 Pontins pounds for use in venues, and free admission to non resident bands to the Holiday Park and venues.

The top prize in the Championship Section is £2,500 and there is £1,800 up for grabs in the other sections to the winners, with plenty more besides.

This year the contest will celebrate its 36th anniversary with a set of testing and enjopyable set works chosen by James Scott4BR

Test Pieces:

The Harry and Margaret Mortimer Championship:
Sunday 25th October
Test piece: Montage — Peter Graham
Publisher: Winwood Music

First Section:
Saturday 24th October
Test piece: Symphony of Marches — Gilbert Vinter
Publisher: Studio Music

Second Section:
Sunday 25th October
Test Piece: Danceries — Kenneth Hesketh
Publisher: Faber Music

Third Section:
Saturday 24th October
Test Piece: Gallimaufry Suite — Philip Harper
Publisher: Wright & Round

Fourth Section:
Saturday 24th October
Test Piece: A Bournemouth Suite — Benjamin Tubb
Publisher: Jagrins Music

Priority

As in previous years all the bands who entered in 2008 and those on the waiting lists will receive entry forms and priority accommodation booking forms.

Bands should receive these by the end of February and will be given priority to enter and chose accommodation until the beginning of April.

Entry Forms and accommodation booking forms will also be made available to download from the Pontin’s Website: www.pontins-prestatynsands.com

Suggestions

The Pontin’s Brass Band Committee always invite suggestions for improvements to the Festival, from anyone with the Brass Band movement interest at heart.

As a result of these communications, changes such as borrowed players, registry information system, pre-draw and variation on the grading system have all been adopted in order to enhance the Festival.

The Contest Rules are published on both the Pontin’s and British Brass Band Registry Websites: www.pontins-prestatynsands.com and www.bbbr.co.uk

Any further constructive suggestions are welcome and will always be considered and we would encourage anyone to contact the Contest Controllers Frank Hodges, or Colin Morrison.

Further information:

For further information please contact either of the Festival Contest Controllers:

Mr Colin Morrison , 22 Rushdon Close , Grays , Essex, RM17 5QW.
Telephone/Fax Number: (01375) 409807,
E-mail: cm006c6149@blueyonder.co.uk

or
Mr Frank Hodges, 39 Broxton Avenue, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 8NP
Telephone: 01942 703217
Mobile: 07930 562 768
E-mail: frankhodges@bbbr.co.uk