If you thought it was just the bands who were desperate for the chance to pick up some silverware to add to their CVs of contesting success — what about the conductors?

Not just the bands

The Regional Championships are not only about the bands wanting to have the best chance to get to the Royal Albert Hall, but also the men in the middle too.

Fergie

It's a bit like Alex Ferguson opting to manage Manchester United, Bristol Rovers and Newcastle United in the FA Cup, or Arsene Wenger opting to try his luck with Arsenal, Leeds, Birmingham City and even Rangers in the Scottish Cup to get to a final or two...

These guys are going to be busy over the next few weeks:

It's a bit like Alex Ferguson opting to manage Manchester United, Bristol Rovers and Newcastle United in the FA Cup4BR

4 Bands:
Garry Cutt — Fodens, Camborne, Brighouse & Rastrick, Fishburn

3 Bands:
Russell Gray — Carlton Main, Desford, Scottish Co-op
Nicholas Childs — Black Dyke, SWT Woodfalls, Reg Vardy
Melvin White — Aldbourne, Staines, KM Medway

2 Bands:
Robert Childs — Cory, EYMS
Jason Katsikaris — Leyland, BTM
Ian Porthouse — Hepworth, Tredegar
Graham O' Connor — Hatfield, Cwmaman
Mike Fowles — Timperley, Ratby
Andy Duncan — Mount Charles, Unison Kinneil
John Roberts — Skelmanthorpe, Lockwood
John Maines — St Keverne, Bon Accord
Duncan Beckley — Newstead, Greggs Bakery

What happens if they all qualify for the Royal Albert Hall then?