Today a brass band will go head to head with other musicians in a national competition.

The Brighton and Hove City Brass Band will take part in the National Championship Finals in Cheltenham in the hope of moving up into a higher division of the league.

Member Colin Bowman said: “The band regularly entertain audiences playing carols at Christmas, classic tunes on the bandstand and marching the streets of Lewes on bonfire night.

“However, it has all recently become rather serious as we prepare for the competition.

“Nineteen bands with be vying for one promotion spot from division four.

“All of them will be asked to play the same five movements from the dramatic but technically challenging Narnia Suite by Geoffrey Burgon hoping to impress the two judges in a ten minute performance.”

Led by musical director Matthew Hackett, the band of 25 brass musicians and three percussionists has been hard at work trying to produce a note perfect performance.

Mr Hackett said: “The guys have been working very hard over the past two months and I am really pleased with the progress.

“We are determined to put on a top quality performance.”

The band is looking for new members, particularly principal cornet players. Visit contact www.brightonbrass.co.uk