4BR has been informed that the English National Championships is set to take place with just 11 bands on June 26th, following the withdrawal of a further four bands over the last few days.

Not competing

In addition to those already pulled out or not taken up their invites of the contest at Preston Guild Hall, including Brighouse, Desford, Grimethorpe, Redbridge and Carlton Main, 4BR can now reveal that Wire Brass, Wingates, Camborne and Zone One have decided not to compete on ‘Eden’.

Of the original line up (chosen from the rankings and qualification as at April 2009), six have pulled out from the field of 16, whilst others have also withdrawn after accepting invitations to compete.

11 bands

It leaves the English National with a line up of just 11 bands, although the star attractions of Black Dyke, Foden’s, Rothwell and Leyland are still at this time committed to the contest.

In addition to these bands, Fairey (Geneva), Fishburn, Hammonds Saltaire, Hepworth (Cookson Homes), Pemberton Old Wigan, Reg Vardy and Skelmanthorpe will also compete.

A statement was to have been issued by the organisers yesterday, but the news became public knowledge when Wingates informed 4BR that they were to be the latest band to pull out.

Amended start time

4BR understands that the start time of the contest will now be amended with a break after five bands have played. Sources say that it unlikely that any other bands will be asked to fill the remaining places.

Although the band members were looking forward to the contest and particularly to playing Eden, the ENBBC is no longer among the band’s highest prioritiesWingates Band

Wingates statement

In their statement, Wingates refer to the contest as being 'no longer among the band’s highest prioriteies'.

The statement reads:

"Wingates Band has regretfully decided to withdraw from the forthcoming English National Brass Band Championships.

Although the band members were looking forward to the contest and particularly to playing Eden, the ENBBC is no longer among the band’s highest priorities.

As well as preparing for the centenary commemoration of the Pretoria Pit disaster of 1910 (including recording a commemorative CD during June), the band is looking forward to hosting the Natural State Brass Band of Arkansas, USA, at the beginning of July, and will then be focussed on fundraising efforts for a 10-day tour of the USA at the end of 2011."

Rebalance

A spokesman for the band commented to 4BR: "Although we would relish the prospect of representing England at the European Championships were to be be fortunate enough to win the ENBBC contest, it would mean fundraising for two foreign trips within eight months."

They added: "As an unsponsored band relying on our supporters and concert activity to generate income, we have had to rebalance our contesting and concert activity, and something has had to give – in this case, sadly, it was the English Nationals."

The band has thanked the BFBB for the invitation to the contest, and wished the remaining competing bands the best of luck in Preston.