Nine bands will compete at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Sunday 8th February in a bid to be to be crowned the 2015 Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Champions of Great Britain.

Defending champion returns

Seindorf Beaumaris Youth led by Gwyn Evans (pictured above) will return to Blackpool to defend their title whilst the newly-crowned Butlins Junior Ensemble winners, Wardle Junior Academy will also be in attendance.

A day at the Opera

This year's event is its 31st year with the contest remaining in The Opera House, the home for the North West Regional Championship Section and the Spring Festival's, Grand Shield.

Experienced judging duo

The judges for the competition will be the experienced duo of Frank Renton and Barrie Chappell. Frank will judge the music element whilst Barrie will focus on the entertainment.

Pre-draws and lunch break

The organiser of the contest, Gary Walczak has informed 4BR that once again, the first three bands have been pre-drawn and notified to aid travelling to Blackpool whilst their will be a lunch break.

Speaking with 4BR Gary was delighted not to just have nine bands competing at the contest but looking forward to what promises to be another great year:

"This dynamic event attracts the Country’s leading Youth bands. Each band presents a feast of music, choreography, costume design, dedication and of course some excellent musicianship.

The whole day is an exhibition of young brass and percussion players performing their exciting and at times intoxicating programmes, often pushing back the barriers of convention. This is a memorable day’s entertainment not to be missed".

Grab your wristband for extra entertainment

Wristbands to the event will also entitle visitors to discounts at top Blackpool attractions like the, the Tower Dungeons and Illuminasia allowing visitors the complete Blackpool entertainment experience. Tickets will be available to purchase in advance at the Winter Gardens and the Tourist Information box Office.

Pre-results entertainment

Prior to announcing the results and which band will receive an invitation to perform at Brass in Concert in November, a selection of musicians from The Band of the Kings Division, will perform a short concert.

The competing bands:

Egglescliffe School Brass Band (Matthew Haworth)
Elland Silver Youth (Samantha Harrison)
Enderby Youth Band (Trevor Hounsome)
Houghton Area Youth Band (Brian Adams)
Macclesfield Youth Brass Band (Louise Renshaw)
Rochdale Borough Youth Band (Steve Walsh)
Seindorf Beaumaris Youth Band (Gwyn M. Evans)
Wardle Academy Junior Band (Gwen Smith)
Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans)

The defending champion, Seindorf Beaumaris Youth will return to Blackpool to defend their title 4BR

Ticket details

The start time for the contest is 10.30am with the doors opening at 9.00am.

The ticket prices are as follows: Adults £9:00 (wristband colour: yellow) OAP £7.00 (yellow) Children under 16 £5:00 (green), with a family ticket available @ £30 for 2 Adults and 2 Children (mix of yellow and green).