*
banner

Hat-trick rule scrapped for National Championship

The historic convention of a fourth year bar has been scrapped by the organisers of the National Championships.

dates
  Could Cory become the first band to return to make it four or even five in a row at the Nationals?

Kapitol Promotions has revealed that the 'hat-trick' bar, which has meant that any band winning the National title three years in a row has not been invited to play at the following year's contest, has been scrapped.

It could mean that if Cory wins at the Royal Albert Hall on the weekend then they will gain an automatic invitation to compete in 2018, alongside the three other pre-qualified bands.

No rule change

Oddly however, the decision has not been made with the need to change any of the current rules for the event, as according to Kaptiol Promotions director and contest promoter Philip Morris — the hat-trick bar seems to have been an unwritten precedent.

"We have looked into this extensively and have found nothing in previous editions of the rules, even under different promoters, for this to be imposed,"he told 4BR.

"It seems to have been something of an anomaly of contesting history, a precedent which we think the time is right to officially change to reflect the modern age of brass banding."

It seems to have been something of an anomaly of contesting history, a precedent which we think the time is right to officially change to reflect the modern age of brass bandingPhilip Morris

History

History shows that the first band to claim a hat-trick at the National Championships was Foden's, following victories in 1932/33/34 — a feat they repeated in 1936/37/38 after their year in contesting exile in 1935.

No mention of the band's absence was made in the 1935 contest programme, although Foden's was invited to play in the massed band concert at Crystal Palace. Amazingly though, they were not allowed to return to the contest in 1945, despite a break of six years due to the Second World War.

Other bands that have been unable to return for a fourth time include Black Dyke after their hat-tricks of 1947-49 and 1975-77, as well as Cory (1982-1984) and Desford Colliery (1987-89).

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd