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British Open Championships 2003
September 13th sees 18 bands from all over the world take part in
the 151st British Open Brass Band Championships. We will be there
to give our usual comprehensive coverage.
We start with our introduction and prediction for
the honours......
For the first time in it’s long and illustrious history the
British Open on Saturday 13th September 2003 will become a "New
World" wide event.
Rule 4, which stated that “Entries shall be limited to brass
bands from the British Isles and countries from the Commonwealth”
has been dropped and a brass band from the United States of America
in the form of Illinois Brass will make their debut at the contest.
It may have taken 151 years, but this is perhaps the most significant
development at the contest ever, and paves the way for bands from
Europe in particular to try and qualify for the greatest contest
in the banding world.
For the time being though, we should welcome our American friends
with open arms (and a full hall - no one off for a quick cup of
tea please).
There is a very strong line up of contenders this year as well,
with a field of 18 bands all trying to take home the £3000
first prize and the famous Open Challenge Trophy. For the past four
years it has been something of a tug of war between YBS and BAYV
Cory, as the trophy has alternated between the bandrooms of Yorkshire
and the Rhondda, and for many observers it appears that these two
leviathans could produce a classic battle for supremacy just as
they did at this years European Championships. Then again others
though may well want to show that they too can mount a very impressive
offence and there will be strong claims from a number of bands for
sure.
It is interesting to note that no band has successfully retained
their Open title since 1986, when Black Dyke completed a “Double”,
and this year will see three Doctors, two Majors, an ex Colonel
all battling it out for a chance to add their name to the list of
winning MD’s on the Mortimer Meastro Trophy. Just four of
the 18 on display have tasted success at the contest.
The contest will start at 12.00pm and in addition to the top prize
of £3000, the winning players will receive a memento themselves,
whilst the winning MD receives the Mortimer Maestro Trophy. The
runners up get £2000 and the Frank Parker Memorial Trophy;
third place, £1500 and the Harry Mortimer Memorial Trophy;
fourth place £1000 and the Edrich Siebert Memorial Trophy;
fifth place £500 and the John Gladney Cup and sixth place
£400 and the William Rimmer Cup.
The winning “Best Soloist” will receive £100
and the Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy, whilst there will be
presentations to both Philip McCann and Bramwell Tovey for the Mortimer
Medal and Iles Medal respectively.
Who will be taking home with them the trophy and title then?
Looking at the line up of bands it seems to us that it could be
a battle between the usual suspects, although just like last year,
an outsider could well feature in the final mix. Our money (for
what its worth) is for a battle royal between BAYV Cory, YBS and
Black Dyke for the winners laurels with Brighouse and Rastrick,
Fairey and Fodens Richardson close on their heels. An outsider?
What about Carlton Main?
Class should tell on a piece that will reward quality of tone,
secure technique and depth of sound, and we think these are the
ones nowadays that may well provide it. BAYV Cory though may just
have that extra edge to just pip all their rivals and fill their
trophy cabinet again with the shield. Then again, what do we know?
It should however be a great day, so we hope to see you all there
as we give our usual pre-match, “live” and post match
coverage.
4BR Prediction:
1. BAYV Cory
2. Yorkshire Building Society
3. Black Dyke
4. Fairey
5. Brighouse and Rastrick
6. Fodens Richardson
Dark Horse: Carlton Main Frickley
© 4BarsRest
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