The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship have announced that Woodfalls Band has withdrawn from the competition.

The contest on Sunday 20th November will now feature a line-up of 11 bands, starting at 9.00am, with the time schedules for those originally drawn after Woodfalls (drawn 5th) amended accordingly.

Short of key players

Brass in Concert spokesperson, John Woods commented: "Woodfalls has unfortunately found it necessary to withdraw from next Sunday's contest due to recent unfortunate circumstances which have seen the band short of key players for the event.

The Brass in Concert team was made aware of the matter at an early stage and, although sympathetic towards the band's predicament, had already made provision for such instances within the contest's rules, which allow for two deputy players per band and could not be extended beyond that."

Full day of action

John added: "A full day of action is still promised with the remaining line up of 11 bands. Play commences with Dublin Silver Band from the USA at 9.00am and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Brass in Concert Youth Brass 2000 under MD Chris Jeans will give a Concourse concert at lunchtime."

No option

A spokesperson for Woodfalls stated: "We have discussed this as a band committee and with our Musical Director and Resident Conductor, and we are extremely sad to say that we feel we have no option but to withdraw from the contest. This has been a very difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly."

They added: "Brass in Concert is an event we are always proud to be part of and one that our players very much enjoy. It is important however for us to put on the best performance we can, both for our reputation and that of the contest.

Due to these recent unfortunate circumstances, which have left us short of a key player/position, we do not believe we can do this."

we are extremely sad to say that we feel we have no option but to withdraw from the contest. This has been a very difficult decision and not one we have taken lightlyWoodfalls Band

Tickets

The Brass in Concert Championship is to be held at Sage Gateshead in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman on the weekend of the 19th/20th November.

Tickets for World of Brass in Concert, featuring James Morrison and Black Dyke Band on Saturday 19th November are priced at £24.00, £18.00 and £10.00.

The Brass in Concert Championships on Sunday 20th November are priced at £30.00, £22.00 and £12.00.

Tickets are available from the Sage Gateshead Box Office on 0191 443 4661 or www.sagegateshead.com