Ararat City Band hosts the fourth Grampians Brass Festival on October 5

Ararat City Band created the event as a way of showcasing accomplished brass bands from Western Victoria.

Bands from across the region will present a 30 minute, themed repertoire and are encouraged to use costumes and theatrics to bring their performance to life.

Prize money is on offer, and bands are judged on their overall entertainment value, costumes and musical choices rather than their playing ability as is the case with more traditional brass band competitions.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for bands to show the public they are no longer just about hymns and marches." Ararat City Band secretary Amy Stevens said.

"They are now playing a wide range of music depending on the occasion and audience; everything from folk tunes to hard rock."

Last year performances included revisiting the 70s - a time when flares were wide and so were the collars; a trip around the world in 80 tunes, complete with our very own pilot and air hostess; heroes and villains featuring the hits that encourage heroes to rise to the occasion and villains to bring out their darker sides; and finally a performance inspired by our local, reportedly haunted, venues - Aradale and J-Ward.

With varied performances from each entry a great night of entertainment is guaranteed for people of all ages.

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