The National Championships for field bands will take place in Johannesburg - South Africa on 2nd and 3rd October. This year the event has moved to a new venue: the Athletic Stadium in Johannesburg.

The Athletic Stadium is astate-of-the-art, high-tec multifunctional stadium. It is situated in Doornfontein, to the east of the city centre of Johannesburg. The stadium was originally built as an arena for athletics and now it is used as the home for one of South Africa's most famous footballl clubs, the Orlando Pirates (Premier League).

At the National Championships, bands will participate in the First Division (starting bands) and in the Premier Division. (experienced bands). The Field Band Foundation creates a chance for children from the townships (lowest layer of the community) to express themselves trough music and show. The Foundation teaches them 'life skills' and also has an AIDS-awareness programme as a guide to a better future. (Text: Geert Vanmaeckelberghe, translation: Hans Kloppert)


The Athletics Stadium in Johannesburg. (Photo: gilesridley.com)

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