“The Australian National Band Championships is an annual four day competition of band and soloist performances that is expected to attract more than 100 community and school brass and concert bands from Australia and abroad,” Mr Grant said.

“In 2015 the Championships will recognise the Centenary of Anzac and will feature a Parade of Bands and Commemoration Service that will take place with the support of the Returned Services League (RSL).

“Close to 50 community bands are expected to participate in the free, public Parade which will be followed by a Commemoration Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the ANZAC Memorial, to honour those who have served in the Australian Defence Force.

“In tribute of this special occasion, the Band Association of NSW (BANSW) has commissioned eight new major compositions by Australian composers based on the theme of ‘a commemoration and celebration of the Spirit of Anzac’ which will premiere during the Championships.

“The NSW Government is proud to support this event through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW and I’m delighted that Sydney will host the 2015 Centenary of ANZAC Australian National Band Championships. I encourage the community to support this wonderful event,” Mr Grant said.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Victor Dominello said the championships were a welcome addition to the NSW Government’s official Centenary of Anzac programme.

“Around 130,000 NSW men and women served during the First World War and 21,000 never came home. Commemorative activities are planned across the State to honour of their sacrifice throughout the Centenary, which concludes on Remembrance Day 2018.

“The National Band Championships in Sydney are a very welcome addition and I am sure the event will be greatly received.”

The 2015 Centenary of ANZAC Australian National Band Championships will be held at the Seymour Centre from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April, 2015.

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