The draws have been made for the 43rd Brass in Concert and 2nd Youth Brass in Concert Championship to be held at Sage Gateshead on the weekend of the 16th/17th November.
It was made by the well known sports broadcaster Mark Pougatch close to his home in the local village hall that provides a hub of artistic and community activity in the North Oxfordshire villages of Sibford Ferris, Sibford Gower and Burdrop.
Footsteps
Mark followed in the footsteps of the likes of Andre Previn, Tony Blair and Kevin Keegan in picking out the balls from the striped bags at a venue that is currently hosting a moving exhibition of local life in the First World War.
The area also has a brass band link with the now defunct Sibford Old and Sibford Temperance Bands once playing a part in early 20th century local life.
Over the years Mark has maintained a keen interest in brass bands, notably through his live broadcasts on BBC Radio 5, and after making the draw he said: "The creation and development of the event, largely by volunteers is outstanding.
The involvement of top bands, not only from the United Kingdom but from Europe and the USA and the programmes designed to open up access and opportunities for young people are to be commended."
Also on hand to keep an eye on proceedings were well known actors John Woodvine and his wife Lynn Farleigh, who have attended the contest weekend many times.
Connection
Following the draw, BiC Secretary David Bennett told 4BR: "It was a lovely evening and great to hear Mark talk about brass bands and sport — especially the Arsenal Football Club brass band that performed before and after each home game.
He has a real connection to the North East and the contest and it was so good to hear that he recognised the success of Brass in Concert."
The creation and development of the event, largely by volunteers is outstandingMark Pougatch
Draws:
2019 Brass in Concert Championship:
1. Tredegar
2. Haut-de-France
3. Cory
4. Hammonds
5. Reg Vardy
6. Friary Brass Band
7. City of Hull
8. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
9. Flowers
10. Brass Band Schoonhoven
11. Brighouse & Rastrick
12. NASUWT Riverside
2019 Youth Brass in Concert Championship:
1. Elland Silver Youth
2. Youth Brass 2000
3. Macclesfield Youth
4. Lions Youth
5. Houghton Area Youth
6. Wardle Academy Youth
7. Rochdale Borough Youth
Tickets:
Tickets for Youth Brass in Concert on Saturday 16th November are available from Sage Gateshead.
Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661 or online at www.sagegateshead.com
Youth Entertainment Championships priced £12 and £6 (concessions)
World of Brass in Concert featuring Brighouse & Rastrick and David Childs £27, £18 and £10
Brass in Concert Championship (Sunday 17th November) £33, £25 and £15.
Booking fees will apply.
