AVONBANK Brass Band have made it through to the finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain for a second year running.
The musicians based in Evesham came third out of 15 when they competed in the Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships held at the Bedworth Civic Hall on March 7.
This result means that the band will be competing in the third section national finals to be held in York later this year on September 19 and 20.
Micah Parsons conducts the band at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in 2025. s
The achievement also secures a promotion to the second section from January 2027 – sections being banding’s equivalent of the football league.
The success is positive news for the band which two years ago found itself without a musical director and had seven vacancies in the band.
The appointment of Micah Parsons in September 2024, however, has been instrumental in turning the band’s fortunes around.
“It is an incredible achievement and testament to the hard work of every single member of the band that they are returning to the nationals finals for a second year running.
“They have regained promotion to the second section all within eighteen months of starting our journey together,” he told the Observer.
Qualification to the national finals means that Avonbank will be competing against other top bands from third sections all over the UK.
Chair of the band Alex Macrae added: “The band are absolutely thrilled with having qualified for the second year in a row and are really looking forward to competing in the second section from next year.”
Attending is likely to cost the band between £4,000 and £5,000 and will cover entry fee, travel and accommodation.
A concert this Sunday, March 22 at the Evesham Town Hall, 3pm will fundraise towards the expenditure.
Tickets costs £11 and can be bought online at eveshamlive.co.uk/whats-on/#1690 or from Johnsons Property Consultants.
