MORE than 50 brass bands will converge on St George’s Hall, Bradford, for the annual Yorkshire championships this weekend.

Last year’s champions, the Brighouse and Rastrick Band, will be defending its title, but will face stiff competition from the likes of the Black Dyke Band, the National Brass Band champions.

A total of 58 bands will be competing on Saturday and Sunday, with 12 bands making up the top-flight Championship section.

This includes the City of Bradford Brass Band, which will be competing for the first time in the top section.

The blind judging process sees a panel of experts score the performances from inside a tent-like contraption to avoid accusations of bias.

Regional secretary and contest controller Peggy Tomlinson said: “Visitors from throughout Great Britain, Ireland and Europe will converge on Bradford to listen to our Yorkshire bands.

“The contest is closely fought. The playing is passionate and can be breathtaking.”

Tickets are from St George’s Hall on 01274 432000.