This year Belfast will host the European Brass Band Championships for the first time. This event, which will be organised by the N.I.B.A. in it’s centenary year will be held in the magnificent Waterfront Hall and is sure to be a spectacular event for all brass band fans. The event will see the champion brass bands from 14 European nations competing against each other to earn the title of European Brass Band Champions. The current titleholders are the world famous Black Dyke band from Yorkshire in England who will be defending their title in Belfast. In addition to the competition, there will be the finals of the European Composers Competition, an array of concerts, masterclasses, seminars and outdoor performances. A European Youth Brass Band formed from young musicians nominated from across Europe will be formed especially for the event. The schedule of events for the contest is as noted below.

Thursday 27th April 2006 – 20.00 Gala Concert and Final of the 3rd European Composers Competition 2006 at the Ulster Hall, Belfast with the 1st Old Boys Band & Strabane Concert Brass followed by a short awards ceremony with the European Youth Brass Band.

Friday 28th April 2006 – 10.00 EBBA (European Brass Band Association) Conference.

Friday 28th April 2006 – 12.30 Official Reception and Opening Ceremony at Belfast City Hall. Concert by the European Youth Brass Band followed by official draw for European Brass Band Contest.

Friday 28th April 2006 – 14.00 Press Conference for European Brass Band Contest at Belfast City Hall.

Friday 28th April 2006 – 15.30 Composers talk with Ian Wilson at the Studio – Waterfront Hall, Belfast.

Friday 28th April 2006 – 17.00 – 22.00 European Brass Band Contest at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. Test Piece (Championship Section).

Saturday 29th April 2006 – 9.00 – 12.30 European Brass Band Contest at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. Test Piece & Own Choice Programme (B Section).

Saturday 29th April 2006 – 12.30 -13.30 Concert at Foyer, Waterfront Hall, Belfast.

Saturday 29th April 2006 – 13.00 – 18.00 European Brass Band Contest at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. Own Choice Piece (Championship Section).

Saturday 29th April 2006 – 18.30 -19.30 Concert at Foyer, Waterfront Hall, Belfast.

Saturday 29th April 2006 – 20.00 Gala Concert European Brass Band Contest 2006 at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast with the Black Dyke Band (European Champions 2005) and with Festival Brass NI followed by the award ceremony with European Youth Brass Band .

Saturday 29th April 2006 – 22.30 European night and party with live music at the Foyer, Waterfront Hall, Belfast.