The organisers of the 41st Brass in Concert Festival have announced perhaps the strongest field ever assembled to compete for the banding world's premier entertainment title.

Held in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman on the weekend of 18th & 19th November at Sage Gateshead, the line-up has been described by BiC Chairman as 'stellar', as defending champion Cory will be faced with an international field of rivals.

Overseas trio

There are three overseas bands this year in the shape of Norwegian National champion Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag, Fountain City for the USA and Paris Brass Band, whilst both Foden's and Tredegar return to the line-up for the first time since 2014.

Brass in Concert Chairman John Woods told 4BR: "We are delighted that the 41st Championship will feature such a stellar line-up — arguably the strongest since the event began in 1977.

We are especially pleased to be joined by three outstanding bands from overseas in Eikanger-Bjørsvik, Fountain City and debutants Paris Brass Band, as well as the return of two outstanding UK bands."

Competing bands:

Brighouse & Rastrick
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Cory
Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag
Flowers
Foden's
Fountain City
Grimethorpe Colliery
Leyland
Paris Brass Band
Tredegar
Virtuosi GUS

Great surprises

John added: "We also have some other surprises lined up for our loyal audience in the weeks ahead, but 2017 is already shaping up to be a great year for Brass in Concert.

Saturday at the Brass in Concert Festival is becoming unmissable and we will be unveiling full details of the daytime events very soon.

The Tasters and Workshops will continue with an afternoon performance by Wardle Academy Band following its victory at the Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championships earlier this year, while Cory Band and Only Men Aloud will provide the entertainment at the World of Brass in Concert event in the evening (7.00pm).

All events are selling very quickly, so anyone intending to buy tickets should do so very soon."

We are delighted that the 41st Championship will feature such a stellar line-up — arguably the strongest since the event began in 1977Brass in Concert Chairman John Woods

Further details and tickets

Further announcements regarding the adjudicators, draw for order of play and online registration details for the Workshops are expected in the next few weeks.

Tickets for the Brass in Concert Championship on Sunday 19th November (priced £30.00, £22.00 and £12.00) and World of Brass in Concert (Saturday 18th November — £27.00, £18.00 and £10.00) are available at www.sagegateshead.com or by calling the ticket office on 0191 443 4661.

A booking fee will apply.