Douglas Town Band will compete in a big competition in England tomorrow.

It is one of 18 bands competing in the third section of the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool on Sunday.

The band was established in 1887, making it the island’s longest-running brass band, and today it features a wide age range of players who regularly perform and compete together.

It has been busy in recent months preparing for the competition at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

Secretary Paul Naylor said: ’We have been putting in a lot of practice ahead of the regional championships, where we’ll be led by musical director Ken Mitchell.

’This year’s test piece is Gustav Holst’s First Suite in Eb and will be a great test for every band member, young and old.

’There are another 17 bands in our section and the positions are decided by some of the top adjudicators from the brass band world, so it will be quite a demanding contest.’

More than 70 brass bands compete across five sections at the North West Regional Championships.

Like football leagues, bands can be promoted or relegated between sections based on their results. The top bands from each section go forward to the National Finals later in the year.

Mr Naylor added: ’On behalf of Douglas Town Band I’d like to thank the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for assisting us with travel to and from the UK to take part in this renowned competition.

’We’d also like to thank Mylchreests for supplying the band with a minibus and for its continued support.’

Steam Packet boss Mark Woodward said: ’We’re pleased to be helping the island’s longest-established brass band travel to the UK to compete in such a prestigious competition. Douglas Town Band provides opportunities for players of all ages to hone their skills, perform across the island and further afield as well as participating in important contests like this.

’I’d like to wish the band the best of luck for Blackpool and I hope everyone enjoys the experience.’

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