The thunder of trumpets and trombones will break out in Southend this Sunday hailing the first brass band battle for 35 years. The last brass contest held in the seaside town was staged back in 1962 in the old Kursaal ballroom. Since then, the six, solid silver trophies have been kept under lock and key. Now they will be up for grabs at this week's new summer event.
The brass band - commonly regarded as I northern novelty - has gone through a renaissance culminating in the bitter sweet British comedy film Brassed Off.
Lib Dem council leader Graham Longley said: "It's since seeing that film that I thought it would be a good idea to have a similar brass band contest in Southend. It is very popular in the north but it's becoming more and more popular in the south. We're hoping it will be a great day out in Southend."
The brass event will start at 11am on Sunday at the Cliffs Bandstand in Clifftown Parade. It will feature eight bands from across the country including The Southend Band. Each group has 40 minutes to prove their worth and also play a specially commissioned piece called the Southend March. Composer Andrew Hurrell - brother of Southend Band's musical director David - was commissioned to write the special musical item.
