AN HISTORIC Whitefield brass band are tuning up to do Bury proud after being invited to once again represent the region on the national stage.

The renowned Besses Boy’s Band will take to the stage for the North West for the fourth time in a decade at The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, this September.

In the run up the event the band are embarking on a number of fundraising activities to make the trip.

The band said that they are looking forward to returning to the championships, adding: “The response from friends of the band has been overwhelming so far and Besses Boys’ Band would like to thank them for their generous support in getting to this prestigious contest.”

Besses Boys’ also have further cause for celebration after taking second place at the North West Regionals Brass Band Contest at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Heading into the contest the band admitted they were feeling the pressure after a section reshuffle last year and a series of disappointing results left them languishing in last place in the brass band table.

Playing what proved to be a metaphorically adroit assigned piece, the band made a storming performance ­with Darrol Barry’s Rise of The Phoenix ­— which evokes a phoenix reborn from the ashes with triumphant fanfares and lyrical birdsong melodies.

Adjudicators lauded the band with excellent feedback, particularly for the soloists, with principal cornet player Claire Holt being commended for “play[ing] like a dream”.

A sterling performance from Sam Heath and Ben Attfield also saw the band take the Best Percussion award for the second year running.

Last year Besses Boy’s celebrated their 75th anniversary and marked the very special birthday with an concert and exhibition in Bolton.