AROUND 1,000 brass bandsmen and women will converge on St Helens on Sunday for one of the country's biggest brass festivals.

The Wilkinson Northern Open Brass Band Championships, which attracts bands from all over the country, will once again be held at the Theatre Royal, under the management of the Rainford Silver Band.

Some 45 bands will play in four sections, each performing a set test piece. Adjudicators will be the much respected David Horsfield and Alan Fernie.

Musical advisor to the championships is the well-known brass band adjudicator Malcolm Brownbill from Eccleston, St Helens.

Championships secretary Philip Upton said: "We are once again delighted at the response from bands. As well as our usual participants, this year we have some bands making their first appearance at the championships.

"Of course, the event could not take place without the continuing sponsorship from Wilkinson, for which we are extremely grateful."

The event begins at 8.45am and will continue all day, the top section commencing at around 5pm. Admission is by ticket on the door, price £3.50.