Youth brass join forces for National championship assault

Besses Boys MD Tom Ridgley conducts the first North Manchester Youth Band rehearsal at Middleton Youth Bands band room

Middleton Youth Band and Besses Boys Youth Band are joining forces to form the brand new 'North Manchester Youth Band' in order to enter the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain on 17 April held at the RNCM in Manchester.

The bands have taken the step to collaborate to form a new ensemble for the contest and, depending on the success of the project, other future events.

Both organisations have been working with Brass Bands England to explore opportunities for progression and development. When asked their thoughts about the proposed project, Brass Bands England thought it was a good idea and provided their full backing.

A spokesperson said: "These are exciting times and both bands are delighted to be working together on this project to give as many young musicians as possible the opportunity to enter a contest that they would not otherwise be able to compete at."