THE Bowes Museum is to host the 18th annual Teesdale Brass Band Contest on Sunday, July 3.

The free event will take place in the grounds of the museum at Barnard Castle. Bands from all over the North have been invited to take part. Eleven will play on the day and others are on a waiting list.

The competition started in 1986 when David Nicholson of Eggleston recruited a small committee to bring together village bands, unregistered bands, fourth section bands and youth bands.

The first competition took place the following year, and it has been held annually ever since, apart from 2001 during the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

At one time, every village in Teesdale had its own brass band. Long gone now are the once-thriving bands of Harwood, Eggleston, Mickleton, Woodland, Butterknowle, Evenwood, Bowes and West Auckland.

Today, hust two remain: Barnard Castle and Middleton in Teesdale.

Events officer at the Bowes, Aileen Risbey, said: "We are delighted to host this traditional contest and are looking forward to what is promised to be a wonderful musical event."

Chairman of the contest, Neville Turner, said: "Moving the event to

this awesome setting heralds a new and exciting era."

Each band will play a hymn, a march and a selection of light music. Youth bands in particular have been encouraged to attend and there is a special section for junior soloists. The adjudicator is Derek Broadbent.

The contest begins at 11am and ends at about 6pm. Visitors can arrive any time, admission is free, and are encouraged to take their own seating. Refreshments will be available. Limited parking is available on site and at Barnard Castle School, with further parking in Barnard Castle town centre.

The highlight for the audience is expected to be the finale playing of hymns and marches by all the massed bands.