After 21 years in Cambridge, the All England Masters International Championship has found a new home, which organiser’s hope will become its new location for the future.

Relocation

The Masters Festival will now relocate to the new Kettering Conference Centre and Lighthouse Theatre complex.

The Masters was launched in Cambridge in 1989 at the then newly refurbished Corn Exchange, which has hosted every event since.

Now it will move to the Lighthouse Theatre, a modern, state-of-the-art concert venue, built a year ago, conveniently situated on the edges of Kettering and close to the A14.

Achilles heel

The theatre is part of the Kettering Conference Centre on a large site with ample parking for both the public and the coaches of all competing bands — something of an Achilles heel for the Masters over the years in the close confines of Cambridge's back streets.

Facilities

The complex is spacious, with excellent in house catering and bar facilities as well as large, open areas outside the concert hall for trade exhibitions and the general comfort of the audience.

Wonderful time

Richard Franklin told 4BR: "We have enjoyed a wonderful time in Cambridge and it will be with a tinge of sadness that we move the event elsewhere, but the interest shown in the Championship and Gala Concert from another venue has been impressive and our sponsors have shown great enthusiasm in this switch."

I have little doubt that our audience and our bands will find the facilities to be of the highest order and see the move as a very positive step forwardPhilip Biggs

Great move

Fellow promoter Philip Biggs commented: "This is going to be a great move for the Masters, and our sponsors Yamaha and David Goswell are very enthusiastic about the festival being staged at the Lighthouse complex. With a superb test piece and great line-up of bands, we are set for a fantastic day."

Philip added: "The Lighthouse complex is located close to the A14 trunk route and is easily accessible for everyone, and the air-conditioned buildings offer comfort and space for the audience and competing bands. We feel we are moving the event forward quite significantly by making this move, and I have little doubt that our audience and our bands will find the facilities to be of the highest order and see the move as a very positive step forward."

New details

The 2010 International Masters will take place at the Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering on Sunday 30th May commencing at 10am. The test-piece will be ‘Epic Symphony’ by Percy Fletcher.

Details of the Gala Evening Concert will be announced shortly.

The box office will open on Monday 11th January, telephone 01536 414141.