Details of the inaugural Great Northern Spring Brass Arts Festival at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall have been announced.

Philip Biggs has announced that plans are well advanced for the event which takes place on Sunday 9th May.

Leading ladies

The opening auditorium concert will feature Wingates conducted by Alan Morrison, with guest soloist Lesley Howie. This will be followed by Leyland, directed by Russell Gray, who will accompany American trumpet star Amy Gilreath.

Professor David King will direct Brighouse & Rastrick, as they feature baritone virtuoso Katrina Marzella and percussion star Simone Rebello as their guest soloists.

Gala Concert

The evening Gala Concert will feature European and British Open champions, Cory and Masters and Brass in Concert winners, Foden's.