Black Dyke Band is getting ready to head to Japan for a tour that will include five high profile concerts throughout the country.

Although Japan is currently hosting the Rugby Union World Cup, Black Dyke's visit has also created huge interest, with the concerts in Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya and twice in Tokyo already close to being sold out.

Reinforces

The tour, which reinforces links between the band and the country that go back to their inaugural visit in 1990, has taken extensive preparation.

It will also see Director of Music Prof Nicholas Childs make his 1000th concert appearance with the Queensbury Band at the final concert in the magnificent Sumida Triphony Hall in Tokyo.

Tour

The Black Dyke tour party will touch down in Japan this weekend after a 14 hour flight from the UK, and will take the iconic bullet train south for their first concert in Osaka.

They will then fly north to Sapporo, before their first performance in Tokyo in the city's magnificent Metropolitan Hall. A further train ride will speed them to Nagoya before the return to Tokyo for their much anticipated appearance in the majestic Sumida Triphony Hall.

New levels

Tour co-coordinator, Alison Childs told 4BR that interest in the band's visits continues to reach new levels.

"We could have very easily added another five concert dates to the itinerary as demand to see Black Dyke in action is incredible even with the Rugby World Cup. The local organisers are superb, ensuring that the band is given memorable welcomes wherever we go.

The enthusiasm is something to cherish, with brass band fans travelling from every corner of the country to come to the concerts."

Variety

Prof Childs has been asked to bring an extensive variety of repertoire, with the band mixing performances of Peter Graham's British Open test-piece 'Dynasty' and Bruce Broughton's major work, 'Heroes', with easy listening entertainment and showcase solos for all the Black Dyke stars.

He told 4BR: "We could just about take the whole Black Dyke library and still be asked for encores!

The audiences in Japan enjoy everything from classic test-pieces and overtures to the lightest of entertainment pieces and of course the performances of our soloists. I can assure them they won't be disappointed."

The enthusiasm is something to cherish, with brass band fans travelling from every corner of the country to come to the concertsBlack Dyke Band

1000th appearance

His 1000th concert appearance with the band is also a milestone that he is looking forward to.

"That is something of a landmark, and one that I'm immensely proud of, although it's still quite a way behind the great Arthur O Pearce. To mark the event at such an incredible concert hall though will be very special."

Follow the tour

You can follow Black Dyke on their tour with a daily blog at: www.facebook.com/blackdykeband