Brass Bands England has provided the additional information requested by 4BR in relation to its recent consultation over the National Youth Championships.

Excellent response

Speaking to 4BR on behalf of BBE, Relationship & Partnership Development Manager Alex Parker commented: "The total submission of 39 responses (34 participants and 5 organisations) was excellent given the expected interest and motivation to complete the form if currently happy with any event.

The spectrum of respondents was wide, as shown by the graph, though as expected the majority were adults involved in youth bands either as staff/helpers or Musical Directors."

High rating

He added: "94% of respondents had previously attended the event, with 100% of respondents rating the event 3-5 out of 5, and 70%, 4-5. This indicated the base opinion level of the event (in its existing format) was high."

Alex continued: "In advertising the consultation we sent an email with the consultation attached to every youth band we were able to find contact information for: This included over 150 bands.

We also emailed this to every Music Hub in the country, as well as our 200 members, and it was featured in our newsletter for bands to circulate. This was alongside the press coverage, including from 4BR, and posts on our social media."

No one thought the proposals were 'Poor' and 52% rated the proposals as 'Very Good' or 'Excellent', with 85.3% rating them 'Good' or betterBrass Bands England

Reaction

Alex concluded: "Reaction was very positive, particularly in relation to the high background previously mentioned.

No one thought the proposals were 'Poor' and 52% rated the proposals as 'Very Good' or 'Excellent', with 85.3% rating them 'Good' or better.

In developing the proposals no viable enforceable alternative to ages of participants could be found and this remained true throughout this consultation with the exception of the Championship Section upper age limit, which can be linked to the end of full-time education.

The results were striking in their support for lowering the ultimate age of the participants, with reaching the age of 18 and finishing compulsory education as the top two results (totaling well over 50%), which in the UK is usually the same age now.

It's apparent that a significant number of bands will have members finishing compulsory education aged 19 as a result of repeat years or taking three years over A-levels. This is reflected in the rules and we will allow players to play in such cases."