The British Federation of Brass Bands (BFBB) has confirmed the withdrawal of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band from the English Nationals.

A telephone call was received on Thursday evening 28th May informing the BFBB of their decision.

Disappointing

A spokesperson for the BFBB told 4BR: "It is disappointing at this very late stage to receive Grimethorpe’s withdrawal and, of course, it gives us no time to invite a replacement band. However, we have 15 of England’s finest bands competing at Preston for the first prize and the honour of representing England at next year’s European Championships in Linz, Austria."

It is disappointing at this very late stage to receive Grimethorpe’s withdrawal and, of course, it gives us no time to invite a replacement bandBFBB

Interest

They added: "The new test piece by Paul Lovatt-Cooper 'Within Blue Empires' is also creating great interest in the championships and with Besson again sponsoring the event, everything is in place for an exciting day’s contesting."