TWO of the North-west's best-known bands -- Wingates and Besses Boys --will combine in a massed brass concert at Bolton's Victoria Hall on Wednesday, December 13, at 8 pm.

Wingates Band is one of the country's oldest and finest senior bands, dating back to 1873.

Besses Boys Band is possibly the country's best-known junior band. It claims to be the country's oldest-surviving youth band, having been established in 1943 primarily as a "feeder" band for the renowned Besses o'th' Barn Band many of whose players were, at that time, away serving in the forces.

But for more than 30 years, Besses Boys Band has operated completely independently of the senior band.

The boys band will be conducted by John Powell who is well-known as a member of Tubulate, a brass ensemble of professional euphonium and tuba players.

In charge of the Wingates baton will be Alan Lawton who so skilfully conducted Wingates for its latest CD, Marching into the Millennium.

According to the band's publicity and PR manager, David Kaye, the CD is selling "like hot cakes".

Tickets for the concert are available at Bolton Town Hall Tourist Office, Booth's Music, Churchgate, Bolton, or you can order tickets and CDs via David Kaye on 01942 845000 (work) or 01204 595938 (home).