There will be a change of venue for the 2015 North of England Regional Championships, after the Regional Committee announced that after 30 years the contest will move from the Dolphin Centre in Darlington to the Gala Theatre in Durham.

Excellent acoustics

On announcing the exciting news, Regional Secretary Tony Griffiths told 4BR: "The Gala Theatre offers us a new, modern venue with excellent acoustics and fantastic facilities for the bands and the general public.

We hope that the Area contest will flourish in Durham and become a popular destination for players, supporters and listeners alike."

The 2015 North of England Championships will now take place on Saturday 14th March 2015 (Sections 1 & 3) and Sunday 15th March 2015, (Sections 2, 4 & Championship).

Listening

He added: "Listening to bands concerns we have actively worked to secure an alternative venue that will enable us to take the regional contest forward.

After negotiations with various venues across the north of England, I’m delighted that the regional contest will be held the excellent Gala Theatre, in the heart of the City of Durham.

The facilities and acoustics are first class and we look forward to a strong professional working relationship with the management and staff."

We hope that the Area contest will flourish in Durham and become a popular destination for players, supporters and listeners alikeRegional Secretary Tony Griffiths

End of 30 years in Darlington

The decision marks the end of the North of England Area event being held in the unique surroundings of the Dolphin Centre in Darlington, which first hosted the contest in 1984.