WYCHAVON’S Festival of Brass competition has announced a new date for its event next year as well as an exciting partnership agreement with the British Open Championship.

After an extensive consultation process, next year’s competition will now take place on Saturday, November 1.

Organisers are hoping this will mean even more bands will take place in the event, held at Evesham High School.

In addition to the new date, an agreement with the British Open Championship will mean the winners of the championship section contest will get an automatic invitation to compete at the spring festival at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

If the winning band is already competing there, the place will be offered to the highest placed band at the Wychavon contest.

Chairman Val Trim was understandably delighted at both announcements.

She said: “We are grateful to all the bands and interested parties who contacted us over proposals for a new date for the 2014 event and delighted we are now able ink the contest into the calendar.

“Evesham High School offers excellent facilities.

It has been a decision that we believe will see the contest continue to flourish.”