This year’s Brighouse March & Hymn Tune Contest on Sunday, 6th July, 2008 promises another great day for all brass enthusiasts from near and far.

The contest forms the Finale for the Brighouse Festival of Brass which begins on Friday evening, the 4th July in the Central Methodist Church, with a re-union concert by the James Shepherd Versatile Brass.

This JSVB team from the 1970’s built a terrific reputation for itself and it is just 30 years ago in July that JSVB gave a concert in Brighouse, before its 14 day tour of Australia4BR

JSVB

This team from the 1970’s built a terrific reputation for itself and it is just 30 years ago in July that JSVB gave a concert in Brighouse, before its 14 day tour of Australia.

The team is the same, except for Kevin Edwards who replaced the late Harvey Whiteley after this fabulous trip down under. Frank Renton, who fronted the group in those days will conduct, with the famous players who made up the group.

Also some more recent members will be involved on the night also, in what promises to be a sell-out concert and one to capture the imagination.

American guests

The following evening in the same Church, Brighouse Lions have booked the James Madison University Brass Band from USA, conductor Kevin Stees, to share the stage with the local United Co-op Band.

This annual concert, which was given last year by the Easington Colliery Band is always popular with the Brighouse people. Both these bands take part in the contest on Sunday.

Saturday afternoon will be a private BBQ for JSVB and friends given by Steve and Diane Thornton at their home in Brighouse, when many memories will be recalled from the group’s happy and successful days.

Contest

The contest on the Sunday begins at 1.00pm with the Youth Section and then up to 25 bands will play for the many prizes. Non-stop music is the order of the day and just before the results The Easington Colliery Band, conductor Stuart Gray will give a short concert in the Town Hall Square.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship this year comes from Yamaha-Kemble Music, Calderdale MBC, Kershaw’s Garden Centre, Blakeley’s Fish Restaurant & Take-away, Concept Merchandise Ltd., Daniel & Hirst Estate Agents, The Association of Band Traders, Kirklees Music & Weatherspoons.