The Butlins Mineworkers Championship organisers have released details of the entertainment that will be on offer at the huge festival weekend in January.

£10,000 top prize

The Skegness Resort will host a record number of bands between the 18th-21st January – from the Butlins Youth Band Festival entrants right up to the Championship bands who will be battling for the first ever £10,000 top prize.

Butlins have also promised quite spectacular entertainment and outstanding facilities too, featuring live performances from a glittering array of artistes.

Defending champions in concert

Defending Butlins champions Flowers and Youth Brass 2000, with special guest Chad Shoopman take to the stage on the Friday along with the Dennis Rollins’ ‘Velocity Trio’.

Festival Director Steve Walker told 4BR: "This will be a great way to start the family entertainment. Dennis is making his second appearance at the festival with his brilliant trio fusing contemporary jazz arrangements with simmering funk grooves.

Dennis has played at the forefront of the UK jazz scene for 25 years, performing with such stars as Maceo Parker, Courtney Pine, The Jazz Warriors and The Brand New Heavies. Butlins are thrilled to welcome him to Skegness again."

Meanwhile, the 2012 ‘Most Entertaining Band’ Woodfalls take to the stage on Saturday under the baton Paul Lovett-Cooper for what promises to be a hugely entertaining and interactive programme, whilst the fabulous MF Legacy Big Band will provide a special tribute to the great Maynard Ferguson.

Maynard Ferguson

The concert will be made up of Maynard’s original chart toppers including, ‘Give It One’, ‘La Fiesta’ & ‘MacArthur Park’ to name a few.

The band will also feature the stratospheric talents of American trumpet star Chad Shoopman in the leading role – a musician who has worked with the likes of Arturo Sandoval and Wynton Marsalis, as well as making a huge impression as MD of Brass Band of Central Florida.

He told 4BR: "I’m very excited about adjudicating at the event and am looking forward to hearing all the great bands. I’m truly honoured to be appearing with The MF Legacy Big Band and think that it’s going to be a wonderful weekend."

Festival Director Steve Walker added: "Chad is an amazing musician and his playing is going to thrill and astound our guests."

Bavarian Parpenrifters

Meanwhile, a bit closer to home, the Parpenrifters Bavarian Band, made up of players from Grimethorpe Colliery Band have combined to create a completely new show based on the Bavarian Beer Festival, Oktoberfest.

They will provide quite brilliant late Saturday night entertainment with an eclectic mix of traditional Bavarian music right up to arrangements of modern day pop music, all with an intriguing ‘Grimey’ slant.

Audience participation is key to the show, so they will also have games galore to keep the crowd on their toes. Forfeits have to be undertaken for the losers with plenty of prizes for the winners too!!!

Gala Concert

Finally, Brass in Concert champions Cory will round off the brass band entertainment on Sunday evening with a spectacular gala concert.

"We are delighted that Cory was able to accept our invitation to appear," Steve Walker added. "As the number one ranked band in the world I’m sure they will provide a memorable and fitting climax to a fabulous weekend."

Butlins have also promised quite spectacular entertainment and outstanding facilities too, featuring live performances from a glittering array of artistes4BR

Contests

All five senior competitions will take place on Saturday 19th with the prizes being awarded in a special presentation the same evening for the bands in Sections 1-4, Youth and Junior Ensembles.

The Championship Section bands return on Sunday for the entertainment leg of their contest to decide who will win that huge £10,000 first prize.

The event will be hosted by Frank Renton, with the aggregate of the points over the two days determining the Butlins Champion Band 2013.

Accommodation

A three night break based on four guests sharing a silver self-catering apartment is just £66.00 per person and includes accommodation, entertainment and parking.

Please note all offers are subject to promotional availability.

Bookings

To book your Butlins break please visit www.butlins.com or call 0845 070 4734.

Day visit tickets are available for Saturday 19th January only.

This is due to the limited venue capacity for the entertainment competition on the Sunday. Prices are £20 per adult, £12 per child 2 – 14, with under 2s free.

Please note that all competitors who are not resident on Resort must purchase a day visit ticket to gain entry to Resort on Saturday January 19. Day tickets are available to purchase from Monday January 7.

Butlins recommend these are purchased in advance by calling the Butlins Day Visits on 01754 614445 by Tuesday 15th January.