4BR has been informed that the Pontin’s Brass Band Championships, which celebrate their 37th anniversary this year will be marking the occasion with a substantial increase in prize money – with a emphasis on providing successful lower section bands with the biggest prize cheques in the current contesting calendar.

Impressive

The winners of the Harry & Margaret Mortimer Championship will now take away with them £3,000 for their efforts on ‘Les Preludes’ on Sunday 24th October, whilst each of the lower section winners will pocket an impressive £2,500.

More than Skegness

And although the prize money on offer for the top sections winners in still a little way short of that found at the Butlins Mineworkers Championships, the lower section winners will pick up £500 more than was on offer in Skegness earlier this year.

The top prizes in Sections 1 – 4 are also two and a half times greater than that currently on offer for winning at the National Finals in Harrogate and bigger than the amount of cash that will be picked up by the winning band at the Royal Albert Hall.

Prize money

Prizes for the top four places in each section have been increased this year, with the runner up in the top section now winning £1,500, with additional prizes of £800 and £500.

In the lower sections, the runner up will receive £1,200, with additional prizes of £800 and £500.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Pontins has been a long term supporter of the brass band movement, and sees this as an important investment, especially at a times when finances are tight for every band."

Good response

Response to the championships, which take place at the Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park on the weekend of 22nd October, has been highly encouraging according to the organisers.

Numbers are up, and whilst there are still places for competitors, bands are asked to get entries in as soon as possible.

The organisers are also offering their usual mix of fun and games too, with the British Army Band and Bavarian Stompers in performance, as well as a host of leisure activities for the family, including a fairground , the newly opened ice rink.

Pontins has been a long term supporter of the brass band movement, and sees this as an important investment, especially at a times when finances are tight for every bandPontins

Helping bands

The spokesperson added: "We are keen to help the bands in as many ways as possible, and so we have also ensured that there are discounts for group bookings of 6 or more in apartments of any type, a 30p per mile travel allowance to all resident bands regardless of travel method and a refund of 150 ‘Pontin’s Pounds’ to all bands with 25 or more members/associates resident on the Park for spending in the bar and food outlets.

"There is also free admission to non resident bands to the Holiday Park and venues and single night accommodation available."

More information

More information on the contest test pieces, how to enter and book accommodation is available at www.pontins.com/bandchamp, or by contacting the Contest Administrator, Dario Touhladjiev on 01745 881 801 or by e-mail :- darrio.touhladjiev@pontins.com

Contest controllers

Alternatively, information and entry packs are available from the Contest Controllers:

Championship & First Sections:
Frank Hodges
39 Broxton Ave
Orrell
Wigan
WN5 8NP

Tel: 01942 703 217, e-mail: frankhodges@bbbr.co.uk

For Second, Third & Fourth Sections:
Colin Morrison
22 Rushdon Close
Grays
Essex
RM17 5QW

Tel: 01375 409 807