Brass in Concert entertainers announced

The 11 bands that will look to become the best brass band entertainers in the world at Sage Gateshead later this year have been revealed.

Who will be embracing in triumph this year?

Wednesday, 12 April 2023

The line-up of competing bands at this year's Brass in Concert Championship have been announced.

The flagship entertainment event in association with World of Brass and supported by Banks Group and Yamaha will take place at Sage Gateshead on Saturday 18th November. It will also be streamed live on the day via the www.Wobplay.com multi-media platform.

UK, Norway and USA

Defending champion Brighouse & Rastrick will look to repel the challenge of 10 rivals — including Norwegian champion and former winner Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag, and Fountain City Brass from the USA, who return for the first time since 2018.

National Champion Foden's and Welsh champion and 2022 runner-up Tredegar are joined by last year's top six finishers of Carlton Main Frickley Colliery and Grimethorpe Colliery.

West of England contenders Flowers will also make the trip north alongside debutants Aldbourne, whilst Friary and Hammonds return once more.

Dropping out from last year's line-up are Krohengen from Norway, GUS Band and NASUWT Riverside, whilst former champion Cory declined an invitation to compete at this year's event.

The contest will be compered by Frank Renton and will start 11.00am, with the results scheduled for 8.30pm.

Delighted

Speaking on behalf of Brass in Concert, CEO Nigel Stevens commented: "We're delighted to have 11 of the world's leading bands join us at Sage Gateshead this November.

The international take up this year adds another level of excellence to our line-up, with Siddis Brass champion Eikanger-Bjørsvik making its first visit since winning the contest in 2017, and Fountain City returning after its fantastic performances in 2017 and 2018.

We look forward to Brass in Concert more and more every year, but this year's line-up is something special!"

Competing bands:

Aldbourne
Brighouse & Rastrick
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag
Flowers
Foden's
Fountain City Brass
Friary Brass
Grimethorpe Colliery
Hammonds
Tredegar

Draw and tickets

The draw for this year's contest will take place at the European Brass Band Championships in Malmo, Sweden, on the evening of Saturday 6th May. Those at the event will be able to attend the draw in-person and it will also be streamed live on the Wobplay platform.

Tickets for the 46th Brass in Concert Championship will go on sale at 10.00am on Wednesday 12th July.

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