The Brass in Concert and UniBrass Championships have jointly announced an exciting collaboration that aims to benefit the future planning and delivery of the leading contests.

UniBrass Foundation Chair Andy Straiton and his counterpart at the Brass in Concert Championships, John Woods, believe an ongoing partnership will be mutually beneficial for two of the country's most significant Brass Festivals.

Shared opportunities

It is understood that as well as shared promotional opportunities, the UniBrass team will be looking at ways to boost BiC's online presence and bring new audience interaction technology.

In return the event will provide the latest team of young UniBrass contest organisers with the invaluable chance to learn from one of the most professionally delivered events in the banding world.

Huge win

John Woods told 4BR: "We see this as a huge win for everyone. I'm a huge fan of using mentoring alongside practical learning and truly believe that there are huge benefits through this concept for both organisations in both practical and management aspects."

Younger audience

In response, Andy added: "UniBrass has long admired the work of Brass in Concert.

We have been keen to get involved, both learning from the experience of the BiC team, but also using our own experience to bring new concepts to the festival and to help encourage a new and younger audience to what is one of the leading events in the brass band community."

We have been keen to get involved, both learning from the experience of the BiC team, but also using our own experience to bring new concepts to the festival and to help encourage a new and younger audienceAndy Straiton

Time and place

The 43rd Brass in Concert Festival, held in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman will be at Sage Gateshead on the weekend of the 16th & 17th November.

In addition to an impressive international band line-up in the Brass in Concert Championship and a 'Classic Brass' gala concert featuring Brighouse and Rastrick with euphonium virtuoso David Childs, seven youth bands will entertain in the second Youth Brass in Concert Championship.

The 2020 UniBrass Championship will be held on 8th February at Bangor University.

Full details about the contest will be announced in due course.

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.