Organisers of the Brass in Concert Festival have announced an exciting line-up of attractions for the 2018 event to be held at Sage Gateshead on the weekend of 17th/18th November.

Sinatra theme

The festival in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman will once again feature world a world class line-up of competing bands for the Brass in Concert Championship as well as a Frank Sinatra themed gala concert featuring Foden's alongside vocalist Matt Ford, and a brand new event for youth bands.

Due to other high profile commitments the 2017 champion, Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag and Tredegar Band will not be able to return this year.

However, in an exciting move the Norwegians of Manger Musikklag, plus US Open Champion Atlantic Brass Band will come in as well as Scottish Champion Whitburn, making their first appearance since 2013.

Competing bands:

Atlantic Brass Band
Brighouse & Rastrick
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Cory
Flowers
Foden's
Fountain City
Grimethorpe Colliery
Manger Musikklag
Reg Vardy
Virtuosi GUS
Whitburn

Saturday must

Brass in Concert Chairman John Woods told 4BR: "We're delighted that the 42nd Championship will feature three outstanding overseas contenders to what is a world class line-up of competitors.

Saturday is a must for brass band fans, especially with the first Youth Brass in Concert Championship, which will take place in Sage One during the afternoon.

The ever popular tater and education events will also take place, while Foden's and Matt Ford will provide the entertainment at the World of Brass in Concert event in the evening. We expect this high-profile event to sell out very quickly."

Ford and Foden's

John added: "Matt Ford is widely regarded as the finest big band singer in the UK. His high profile appearances at events such as the BBC Proms and working regularly with acclaimed conductor John Wilson and his orchestra make him a huge attraction as a performer.

His link with Foden's Band has been incredibly successful so we are delighted to secure this growing partnership for this year's World of Brass in Concert event."

New Youth Championship

John is also equally enthused by the new Youth Championships, which has attracted six leading bands.

"The inaugural Youth Brass in Concert Championship is going to be a fantastic event,"he said. "Each band will give a 20-minute own-choice entertainment set largely mirroring the senior event in competing for a first prize of £1,000 and many other awards.

However, the addition of this event is also about experience, opportunity and education, as outlined in our Mission Statement. I couldn't believe the enthusiasm and interest that was out there when I started making a few enquires.

In just one week we moved from an idea to a confirmed line-up and everything in between!"

Competing bands:

Elland Silver Youth
Houghton Area Youth
Rochdale Borough Youth
Scottish Borders Youth
Wardle Academy Youth
Youth Brass 2000

Tickets:

Tickets for Youth Brass in Concert on Saturday 17th November are available from Sage Gateshead Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661 or online atwww.sagegateshead.com

Prices: £10.00 and £5.00 (concessions).

World of Brass in Concert featuring Foden's and Matt Ford:
Prices: £27.00, £18.00 and £10.00

Brass in Concert Championship (Sunday 18th November)
Prices: £30.00, £22.00 and £12.00.

Booking fees may apply.

Brass in Concert is also presenting Grimethorpe Colliery Band in Concert in association with the Banks Group and British Bandsman in Durham Cathedral on Saturday 14th April, with proceeds from the event being shared with the North of England Children's Cancer Research Fund.

Tickets are available from the Gala Theatre on 03000 266600 or online at www.galadurham.co.uk

Prices: £20.00 and £17.00