Brass in Concert draws announced

The organisers of the Brass in Concert Festival, to be held at Sage Gateshead in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and World of Brass, have announced the draws for the 2020 event. The draw was carried out on Friday 16 July at Brass Bands England’s headquarters in Barnsley by leading cornet soloist, clinician and performance psychologist, Dr. Roger Webster, assisted by members of the Brass in Concert organising team.

The event will get underway at 9.00am on Saturday 20 November with the five bands in Youth Brass in Concert, followed at 12.50pm by the Brass in Concert Championship, which is due to be completed by 9.30pm. The draws are:

Youth Brass in Concert

1. Houghton Area Youth

2. Elland Silver Youth

3. Lions Youth Brass

4. Enderby Youth

5. Youth Brass 2000

Brass in Concert Championship

1. NASUWT Riverside

2. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery

3. Foden’s

4. Cory

5. Tredegar

6. Flowers

7. Redbridge

8. Hammonds

9. Grimethorpe Colliery

10. Friary

Brass in Concert Chairman, David Bennett, commented: “The draw process was slightly different this year, with the five youth bands agreeing in advance that, to make it easier logistically and economically, they would play in order of distance from Sage Gateshead. Similarly, in the Brass in Concert Championship, accommodations were made for two of the bands with further to travel, to allow them to choose segments of the draw to make their arrangements easier. This was done with the prior approval of all the participants and we would like to thank them for their co-operation in the process, which we expect to be in place for the 2021 event only.”

David Bennett added: “Unfortunately Brighouse and Rastrick Band found it necessary to withdraw from the event in advance of the draw, due to a combination of factors involving time and other commitments. We wish the band well and hope to welcome it back in future years, but also thank Redbridge Band for stepping into its place and look forward to its return to Sage Gateshead after a ten-year break.”

Tickets for the 2021 Brass in Concert Festival, priced £12 (Youth Brass in Concert), £17, £27 and £35 (Brass in Concert Championship) are available by visiting https://sagegateshead.com/seasons/brass-in-concert/ emailing [email protected] or calling the Box Office on 0191 443 4661. Booking fees will apply.

David Bennett concluded: “Tickets are already selling very well, but for those concerned that the Festival could be disrupted by Covid, we will take all measures required at the time to ensure public safety, while full refunds will be made if the event is cancelled. We are delighted with the line-ups at this year’s Brass in Concert and look forward to welcoming our loyal audience members, and first-time visitors, for a wonderful day of the very best in brass entertainment at Sage Gateshead.”