It is not just the British Open at Symphony Hall this weekend that will see bands compete for some hefty prize money.

The Dr Martin Wainstone Cup contest returns once more with a prize pot of £8500 ready to be shared out.

Kick off

It all kicks off at 11.00am at the Princess Alexander Auditorium, Yarm School in Stockton on Tees, on Sunday 8th September.

The winner will pick up £4,000, with podium prizes of £2,000 and £1,000 respectively, and the fourth placed band claiming £500. There is also an additional £250 for the 'Best March' and for the 'Best Soloist', whilst each band will receive £400 towards their travel expenses.

Competing bands

The defending champion is the GUS Band, who will look to retain the title ahead of rivals from City of Bradford, City of Hull, EverReady, Rothwell Temperance and Llwydcoed. Leigh Baker has the difficult task of sorting them all out.

Own choice test-pieces chosen include 'Of Distant Memories', 'St Magnus', 'Between The Moon And Mexico', 'On Alderley Edge', 'Titan's Progress' and 'From Ancient Times'.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased in the day, but can also be obtained in advance from: www.thepaaonline.org