THE UniBrass 2018 championship will be held at York Barbican on February 17, when 21 university bands will participate.

Each will present a 20-minute set in a contest environment that encourages innovation and inclusivity alongside musical prowess, and this will be the second year that the event has been held over two sections. The day will climax with a gala concert by Tubular Brass after the contest.

The trophy and shield sections of the contest will take place simultaneously from 11am. The shield competitors will be: Lancaster University; Cambridge University; Keele University; Nottingham Trent University; University of York; University of Bristol; University of Oxford; Cardiff University; Leeds University Union Music Society; University of Chichester and Southampton University in that order.

Taking part in the trophy section will be: the University of Birmingham; University of Warwick; University of Huddersfield; University of Manchester; Durham University; University of Nottingham; University of Sheffield; Bangor University; Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Northern College of Music, again in that order.

The UniBrass Foundation’s charitable aims include outreach into the community to extend awareness and enjoyment of the brass band movement and UniBrass’s role within this. Hence the contest day will include workshops for York area learners and a performance from a York youth band as part of the results ceremony.

The programme for the 7.30pm gala concert promises a set of prog rock music, including Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells. Tickets for the contest and concert are on sale, either separately or as a combined package, on 0844 854 2757, at yorkbarbican.co.uk or in person from the Barbican box office.