The oldest National Brass Band Championships in the world take place in Timaru in New Zealand this week, when the town hosts the 132nd running of the event.

29 bands will compete in four senior grade competitions, with numerous solo and ensemble events taking place from Wednesday July 4th onwards.

First contests

The first bands take to the stage on Friday 6th July following the traditional parade through the town on Friday lunchtime.

A Grade

The reigning A Grade champion Woolston Brass from Christchurch will look to retain their title at the Theatre Royal for a fourth consecutive time against stiff opposition from the likes of Auckland’s North Shore Brass and Trusts Waitakere Auckland Brass, although there is no Dalewool Auckland Brass competing this year.

Wellington’s Pelorus Trust Brass will be looking to continue their upwardly mobile progress, whilst the dark horse may well be Marlborough District with the Australian challenge from across the Tasman Sea provided by the impressive Footscray-Yarraville who just missed out on a podium finish at their recent National Championships.

B Grade

2011 B Grade champion Hutt City Brass is not defending the title this year, so Hamilton City, who missed out last year by a single point should come to the contest as favourites.

Local host band, Alpine Energy Timaru Brass will surely have plenty of vibrant support as they seek the title, whilst many people will be looking out for Addington Brass from Christchurch.

C Grade

2011 C Grade champions Papakura City Brass will be looking to make it two wins in a row in what is sure to be something of a wide open field.

D Grade

Meanwhile, defending D Grade champion Cambridge Brass will be another band looking for back to back wins. Roxborough Pioneer Generation Brass was only a point behind Cambridge in 2011, so it could well be another head to head battle between the pair for the title.

Judges

The principal adjudicators for the event, which will be held in the excellent 600 seat Theatre Royal have been announced as Dr Robert Childs and David Childs.

The set works are as follows, which are supplemented by own choice selections and sacred items to decide the championship titles.

Set works:

A Grade: Breath of Souls (Paul Lovatt-Cooper)
B Grade: Variations for Brass Band (R. Vaughan Williams)
C Grade: Triptych (Philip Sparke)

29 bands will compete in four senior grade competitions, with numerous solo and ensemble events taking place from July 4th onwards4BR

Band of the Year

The Band of the Year Entertainment title will see a battle between the bands of the South Island with Woolston Brass, Alpine Energy Timaru Brass and Leopard Coachlines Canterbury Brass competing in the final event on the Sunday.

More information:

For more information about the contest visit www.festivalofbrass.co.nz, and don’t forget to tune into

Live streaming

www.brassbanned.com for live streaming.