After a lengthy shortlist process, the National Association of Brass Band Conductors has announced an international line up for their annual conducting competition.

12 conductors from the UK, France, Italy and Australia will compete over two rounds with the Rainford and Eccles Borough Bands to decide the panel of six finalists, chosen by Mark Heron, Head of Conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music and the highly respected brass band conductor Paul Holland.

Worldwide

NABBC President Russell Gray told 4BR: "I'm delighted to see this event grow every year. We continue to be committed to bringing conductors together, and this year we have truly reached out to a worldwide audience. I'm looking forward to welcoming everyone to Eccles this weekend."

The Association has expressed it thanks to Yamaha as well Band Supplies who have generously offered the financial support to the event.

We continue to be committed to bringing conductors together, and this year we have truly reached out to a worldwide audience. I'm looking forward to welcoming everyone to Eccles this weekendRussell Gray

Time and place

The final of the competition will be in the form of a gala concert on Saturday 9th June, where the finalists will each lead Eccles Borough Band through a concert item before NABBC chairperson Mareika Gray will lead a second half concert as the judges deliberate their final decision.

Entry to the concert (7.30pm) is free with a retiring collection, at the Eccles Town Hall, Church St, Eccles (M30 0LH)