BRADFORD will play host to the Yorkshire Bass Band Championships next weekend, which will feature some of the country's best bands battling to take the top prize.

St George's Hall is the venue for the two day event, which takes place from March 5 to 6.

Bands will compete in five different categories to be crowned the county's best.

Queensbury's world renowned Black Dyke Band is current European Champions, but will be looking to win the Yorkshire crown from current holders Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band from South Elmsall.

Along with other local bands - the Brighouse and Rastrick Band and the City of Bradford Band - Black Dyke will be competing against 11 other bands in the championship section.

The top three bands from the championship section will represent Yorkshire in the National Championships, which will take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London in October.

David Hirst, secretary of the Black Dyke Band, said: "We have been looking forward to the championship very much, we would love to have our trophy back and that's what we are aiming for.

"The Yorkshire Championship is probably the strongest regional competition in the country, and we would love to get in the top three to play at the Royal Albert Hall and compete in the national championships."

Black Dyke will also be defending its European title in April at the championships in Lille, France.

John Mallinson, band manager of the City of Bradford and BD1 bands, said he was really looking forward to the competition.

He said: "We have been practicing hard, we came seventh in our first year in the championship last year, so we are building all the time and did well to establish ourselves, now we want to take it up another notch.

"It's an amazing atmosphere and Yorkshire is the best regional championship in the country, and its a real privilege to walk out on the stage with some of the best bands around."

The BD1 Brass Band will also be competing in third division after winning the fourth division last year, and if they win or finish second in their group will represent Yorkshire at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Centaur Centre at Cheltenham Race Course in September.

Mr Mallinson said: "BD1 got promoted after winning the fourth section last year so we are looking to step up and try to make an impact in the third division."

The contests begin at 9.15am on the Saturday and 10am on the Sunday, with the championship section starting at 3.30pm on the Sunday.

Tickets are available from the St George's Hall box office and by calling 01274 432000.