Quote: Dave T "On that point, are Brass bands a Northern thing?'"
Not really, but I would certainly think the public perception is that they are and that perception will be fueled by things like Brassed Off and the Hovis adverts. As well as the fact that most of the most well known bands are from Northern towns and cities. In the same way that most people would recognise bagpipes as a Scottish thing or male voice choirs as Welsh.
I will say though that ATEOTD it will be better than Scouting for Girls.