2018 'Year of Banding'  

Chinese mythology names 2018 as the Year of the Dog, but for Norway it will be the 'Year of Banding' after the Scandinavian country's government and Monarch recognise a century of civilian banding in Norway.  

A celebration of a century of organised Norwegian amateur music making, including brass bands, has been given a royal seal of approval as well as being featured on a forthcoming, special national television programme. 
It follows the announcement by the Norwegian Government that 2018 will be officially recognised as the 'Year of Banding' — marking the 100th anniversary of the inception of the Norwegian Band Federation and the 200th anniversary of military banding in the country. 

The announcement was made on New Year's Day by HRH Crown Prince Haakon, Patron of the Norwegian Band Federation, with the special broadcast due to be aired today (17th January) on the popular 'Norway Now!' programme on Channel 1 of the Norwegian Broadcasting Company (NRK1).  

The celebration will include the current European, Norwegian, Siddis and Brass in Concert champion, Eikanger Bjorsvik, who will perform live on air. 

Band Manager Viggo Bjorge commented: "The band will be present during the entire show, performing music and talking about our success and the preparations being made for the upcoming Norwegian Championships in Bergen." 
He added; "There will be several other high profile guests representing the wide spectrum of banding in the country, as well as the Mayor of Bergen who will welcome the National Championship once more to the magnificent Grieghallen in the city." 

In a statement made by the NRK 1 Channel they stated: "It feels natural for our Channel 1 to dedicate one of these daily shows to the banding movement of Norway. To be able to do this from the home of the leading band in Europe and quadruple champion band Eikanger-Bjorsvik makes a perfect setting for the show.  
Banding is important in Norway, and means so much for so many people, from the fresh beginner to the European Champions, in addition to all parents and supporters." 
 
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