Rare twist of fate to see top brass bands play Huddersfield tonight in historic concert

The Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band were named champions of the British Open last month, while Foden's Band took first place in Saturday’s National Championships.

While the two have long held a strong friendship, this may be the first time they are both title holders at the same time and, in a rare twist of fate, scheduled to play together.

What it means for ticket holders is a double-win with a two-for-one champion performance tonight at Huddersfield Town Hall.

To Andy Moore of Yorkshire favourites the Brighouse and Rastrick Band, which has been running these concerts for over 75 years now, tonight looks set to be a memorable event.

"It must be quite rare that it happens that the band that are hosting, and the band that are visiting, are the winners of the British Open and the National Finals," he said.

"It should be quite an uplifting night, a standalone performance. We do get great support, Yorkshire's community do feel proud of that heritage."

Yorkshire's brass band heritage has long been held in esteem, with world famous the Black Dyke Band taking second place in Sunday's National Brass Band Championships. Also honoured were Hammonds Band in fifth and Rothwell Temperance, which came seventh.

First place though went to Foden's, from Cheshire - who also came second to Brighouse and Rastrick in the British Open.

Principal cornet player Mark Wilkinson said these two competitions were the “blue ribbons” of the brass band circuit.

"To have the two champions on stage together, I don't think that has happened before," said Mr Wilkinson. "It should be quite a remarkable occasion."

Tonight's massed bands series, at Huddersfield Town Hall from 7.15pm, has a theme of Hollywood Classics, led by Phillip McCann, featuring soundtracks from James Bond to Indiana Jones, Les Misérables, and The Lion King. Tickets are at tickets.kirklees.gov.uk.