Brass band proud to compete in national finals

Jersey Premier Brass have been holding extra rehearsals ahead of the competition

The musical director of a brass band said he hoped to "do Jersey proud" when they compete in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain this weekend.

Jersey Premier Brass have been holding final rehearsals this week ahead of the event at Cheltenham Racecourse.

The last time the band reached this level of the competition was in 2006.

Jason Mildren, the band's musical director and conductor, said: "From a small island, having a band of this standard is exceptional."

Jason Mildren said the band were all excited about the competition

Jersey Premier Brass are one of 75 bands playing across four categories this weekend.

They will be performing a composition called Adam Zero by Sir Arthur Bliss from 1946, based around a ballet about the life of man from birth to death, and arranged by Robert Childs.

Vanessa Blanchet, chair of the group and cornet player, said: "It's a real team effort."

She added: "There are some quite challenging runs and notes that are a lot higher than we'd be expected to play normally."

Vanessa Blanchet plays the cornet for the band and is the Jersey Premier Brass chair

Ms Blanchet said competing at this standard was "extraordinary".

"We'd like to win, but who knows? It will all be down to the performance on stage and down to the adjudicators and their take on our musical interpretation.

"Just getting there is such a huge achievement."

The band have been raising money to cover the costs of the trip, which has been estimated at £18,000.

Mr Mildren said preparation had been going "pretty well", they had "few tweaks to do" and "all the band are really excited."