IAN CLARKE A prestigious brass band has been found to replace a Russian quartet which had to pull out of the Dereham Festival due to work permit problems.Brass Alliance had been booked to perform on May 16 in one of the showpiece events at the eight-day festival.

IAN CLARKE

A prestigious brass band has been found to replace a Russian quartet which had to pull out of the Dereham Festival due to work permit problems.

Brass Alliance had been booked to perform on May 16 in one of the showpiece events at the eight-day festival.

However, organisers had to act quickly to fill the gap when an e-mail was

sent from Russia saying they would not be able to attend.

Festival chairman Jim Stebbings found London-based brass quintet The Harper Ensemble, who have performed live on BBC TV and radio, at Buckingham Palace and at well established UK music festivals.

Later this year they are touring Spain.

The group was more expensive than the Russian quartet and to ensure the

concert at the Memorial Hall could go on, Breckland Council has agreed to

give £1000 to sponsor the event, for which admission will be £6.

Mr Stebbings said: "Breckland Council has been very, very helpful."

The council is also sponsoring the Gig On The Meadow on May 20 in conjunction with Wilkinson.

The festival will run from May 13-20 and on the first day, The International Community Fest will include a fancy dress competition with the theme "Children of the World".

There are two age categories, under 5 and under 8. Judging will be at 11am

at MNR yard.

Organisers are advising people to book in advance for events during the festival as they could sell out.

Tickets are on sale at Dereham Library from 10-4 on library

opening days.

They can also be obtained by calling 01362 692247 or 07884 054800.

Mr Stebbings said he hoped local people would support fringe events.

Details of all the festival events are available in the programme – which has been delivered to thousands of homes around the area - and from the box office at Dereham Library or on the Festival website www.derehamfestival.org.uk.