UPDATE ON SPRING FESTIVAL AND BRITISH OPEN 2021

We hope that all our friends in banding are keeping safe in these challenging times.

We have continued to monitor the situation in relation to the 2021 Spring Festival and also engaged with Winter Gardens management team regarding the venue.

Sadly the Covid pandemic has continued for far longer than any of us anticipated, with the devastating effect on communities, families and friends.

To ensure that the Spring Festival bands are informed as to the situation regarding the May 2021 event as soon as possible, we have reluctantly made the decision that this year’s Spring Festival will be postponed. We will continue to monitor the position in relation to rescheduling, but if this is not possible the date for next year’s Spring Festival is

7th May 2022 at the Winter Gardens, and the date for the following year 13th May 2023.

As previously advised, all bands who received an invitation to last year’s contest will be invited to the next Spring Festival to be held, in addition to bands entitled to an invitation through the five qualifying contests. The Test pieces will remain as announced for the 2020 event for all three contests.

In relation to the 2021 British Open, scheduled to take place on 11th September at Symphony Hall, at present it is too early to know what government restrictions and social distancing requirements will be in place at that time in terms of our ability to stage the event safely.

We will continue to monitor the position, and in order to ensure that the bands and ourselves as organisers can plan accordingly, we will issue further information on this year’s Open by mid April.

As previously advised, bands invited to last year’s British Open will maintain their invitation to the next British Open to take place.

Tickets for the 2021 Open will not be going on sale until the position regarding the contest scheduling is decided, and we will provide ample notice to ensure that our loyal supporters are able to obtain tickets as before.

The ‘Open’ Test Piece which was originally scheduled to make its debut at last year’s contest is an exciting new work entitled ‘The World Rejoicing’ by Edward Gregson. The piece is a collaboration with a number of our European friends, and once we are able to meet to enjoy the day’s banding at Symphony Hall, the music and its title will have an added poignancy for us all.

Many of you will be aware of the very sad news regarding the passing of James Scott, our friend and a true gentleman who was a unique player, conductor and adjudicator. He had a great deal of success at the Open and always enjoyed his day at the contest over many years, whether as a competitor or spectator.

‘Jim’ will be greatly missed, and leaves a great legacy in those he coached and mentored over many years, including obviously many famous names.

Our thoughts are with Denise, Lucinda and his family at this difficult time. We will be remembering James and his achievements at our next events.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Frank or ourselves, and we look forward to being able to enjoy a day of top class performances with all our banding friends.

Karyn Martin and Frank