A CONTEST to celebrate 175 years of the Blackburn and Darwen Band is to take place in Darwen town centre as part of a Heritage Weekend.

The contest, which is being supported by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Darwen Town Council, will feature 13 brass bands from all around the North West.

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Councillor Peter Hollings, of Darwen Town Council, said he was looking forward to what would be a spectacular event that would draw people in from all around the area.

He said: “Darwen Town Council is absolutely delighted to be working with Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band.

“The anniversary marks 175 years of tradition in the town from humble beginnings of workers bands and Christian organisations coming together to form a town band.”

The bands, who are of varying standards and ages, will be marching along Market Street before setting up on the main stage to play a variety of hymns.

The prize money totals more than £3,000 with the overall prize for the championship and 1st section bands being £700.

Alan Thomas, a cornet player and treasurer of Blackburn with Darwen brass band, said that it was a huge weekend and the musicians could not wait to meet members of other bands.

He said: “It is one of the biggest events the band has ever put on and it’s great to celebrate our anniversary during the Heritage Weekend. The band members are looking forward to welcoming other players from across the North West and delving into the snippets of the band’s history throughout the day.”

Blackburn with Darwen Band started as the Darwen Temperance Band in 1840 and was known as the Darwen Band up until 1986.

Since then, the band has secured support from the borough council and was renamed the Blackburn with Darwen Band, which is currently graded in the Championship Section by the British Brass Band Registry.

The contest will begin at 1pm on Saturday, September 13 and will be preceded by a special anniversary gala concert from Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band at King George’s Hall on Friday, September 11.