WYCHAVON Festival of Brass had to wrestle with its own success this year with 73 entries for the 60 places in the prestigious event.

Bands from across the country oversubscribed the entry limit for the festival at Pershore High School on September 24.

Secretary Clive Allen said each of the five contests taking place during the day is limited to 12 bands, so a large number were disappointed when their entries failed. Mr Allen said: "Arrangements were finally agreed which will keep the audience entertained in the three halls of Pershore High School throughout the 121/4 hour day. The quarter of an hour gives the judges time to refresh themselves."

The Wychavon Festival is now the largest one-day entertainment contest in the country, and Mr Allen said the committee was determined to hold that position. Members have agreed a scheme to improve the sound quality of the halls, costing £3,000 over three years.

In the first section Gloucestershire bands, Lydmet Lydney, Thornbury and Lydbrook face strong competition from all parts of the country. Local bands Arrow Valley, Avonbank and Shipston will also be hard pressed in the second section. The Championship section has some bands who have not played in this area.