BRASS bands from across the North-East will appear at a museum this summer in a free event.

It is the first time Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, has hosted the annual Teesdale Brass Band contest.

Bands from across the region have been invited to take part, and 11 will play on the day, with others on the waiting list.

The competition, which will take place on Sunday, July 3, was started when David Nicholson, of Eggleston, Teesdale, recruited a small committee to encourage the grass-roots of banding by bringing together village bands, unregistered bands, fourth section bands and youth bands.

The first competition was in 1987 and has been held annually ever since, apart from a break in 2001 during the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

In previous years, the competition was held in the grounds of Middleton-in-Teesdale school.

Museum events officer 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."

Contest chairman Neville Turner said: "The contest was held in great affection by spectators and musicians alike, but had reached a sort of stagnation point.

"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.

The contest will start at 11am and will finish at about 6pm.