The BFBB has announced the line up of competing bands at this year’s English National Championships in Preston on 25th June.

Strong field

10 bands will compete for the English National title, headed by reigning champion Fairey (Geneva).

A strong field has accepted invitations to compete this year, with National Champion Brighouse & Rastrick heading the rival contenders who were selected as the leading ranked bands from the 4BR/World of Brass ranking as of November 2010.

Sponsor

The BFBB has also announced that Geneva Instruments will once again sponsor the event.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are delighted that Geneva Instruments have agreed to be our sponsor and Tim Oldroyd of Geneva Instruments is delighted that the ENBBC is supported by an English company."

This of course is a new concept for the contest but the format is used by many of our European friendsBFBB

Euro mirror

Following consultation with competing bands, the 2011 event will be played out to a new format – mirroring that of the European Championships itself.

In the morning the bands will play as the set work ‘Elgar Variations’ by Martin Ellerby whilst after a lunch break they perform their own choice selection.

The spokesperson added: "Hopefully we will have 10 of our best bands playing 11 test pieces in one day. This of course is a new concept for the contest but the format is used by many of our European friends."

Competing bands:

Black Dyke
Brighouse & Rastrick
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Fairey (Geneva)
Foden’s
Hepworth
Leyland
Pemberton Old Wigan DW
Reg Vardy
Rothwell Temperance

The winning band will be invited to represent England at the 2012 European Brass Band Championships in Rotterdam.

Contest details

The day will commence at 10.00am and the adjudicators will be from a panel of Derek Broadbent, Ian Brownbill, Andrew Duncan and Stephen Sykes.

All day tickets will be on sale from the Guild Hall box office – 01772258858 — £15 & £10 for under 16s.