Nock Deighton Helps in Search For New Musical Star

A new rising musical star is set to be uncovered as part of a partnership between Nock Deighton and the Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival.

The Nock Deighton Challenge for Young Composers aims to find the next Bach, Mozart or Beethoven and forms part of the festival each year.

With the our sponsorship now in its fourth year, it has taken on an extra significance after the sad death of Eric Pegam last year.

Eric was one of the main organisers of the festival and was committed to highlighting talented brass musicians and composers from the county.

The winner of this year’s challenge will receive a cash prize and The Eric Peagam Memorial Trophy, with prizes also awarded for second and third place.

The free event took place on Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10, at the Museum of Iron in Coalbrookdale.

Graham Taylor, managing director of Nock Deighton, said: “We are very proud to sponsor this award and to continue our association with Ironbridge Band Festival. We have already seen past winners go on to great things so expectations are high for this year’s recipient.

“The festival is an excellent event right here in Shropshire and we’d encourage residents to go along and listen to the great talent we have here.”

Neil Fury, one of the festival’s organisers, added: “We opened for entries earlier in the year and were once again delighted with the high standard of work sent in.

“The organisers would love to see even more entries next year and we launched the 2017 challenge during the festival weekend.”

Visit www.ironbridgebandfestival.co.uk for more information about the festival.