MUSICIANS from as far afield as Southampton will be competing in a national competition hosted at a Halesowen church later this month.

The Boys’ Brigade National Brass Band Music Festival is being held at the Carters Lane Baptist Church for the third year running.

Thirty six entrants – including around a dozen from the local area – will showcase their talents and compete for medal places.

Church member Simon Hollis is urging members of the public to come along and listen to a varied programme and variety of styles, from rock, to musical show classics and traditional brass band favourites.

Performers from novice to grade five, aged from seven to adults, will sing and play in bands, as solos, duets and trios in front of an adjudicator on Saturday May 17 from 10.30am until 5pm.

Mr Hollis said the day will also feature music workshops, including a singing one led by church pastor Rev’d Kerry Birch.

Entry is free and people are invited to bring their own picnic to eat in the church hall during the lunch break.