Kapitol Promotions has announced that there will be three adjudicators in each section of the National Finals at Cheltenham this year.

The decision brings the contest in line with the Championship Section which has used the format over many years, with the new format agreed following meetings between Kaptiol and the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.

Highest level

Commenting on this announcement, Philip Morris said: "This exciting development will give adjudicators registered with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators another fantastic opportunity to adjudicate at the highest level".

In response, AoBBA Chairman Mark Wilkinson added: "We are pleased to continue our relationship with Kapitol Promotions, and would like to thank Philip Morris and all at Kapitol for involving the Association in this initiative and look forward to further developments in the future."

Really constructive

4BR understands that the decision followed what AoBBA called "really constructive"dialogue, with both parties keen to develop a progressive relationship to help maintain cooperation and seek to improve all aspects of the contest day environment for competing bands.

Speaking to 4BR Mark Wilkinson added: "We have had excellent, really constructive dialogue with Kapitol, with both parties keen to maintain and develop adjudication opportunities to benefit the whole of banding."

Additions

The Cheltenham weekend will now see Alan Bourne, the respected conductor for over 30 years with the RAF St Athan Band in Wales, join David Hirst and John Maines in the box in the First Section.

Having studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, gaining a Bachelor of Music Honours degree from the University of Aberystwyth and spending time as a post-graduate student at Goldsmiths's College, Alan is a Fellow of the London College of Music, an Associate of the Royal College of Music and holds an Advanced Diploma in conducting from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.

The experienced Brian Rostron teams up with David Hirst and Roger Webster in the Second Section. In the last few years he has adjudicated at the Butlins Mineworkers Championship and North West Regional contest.

Sheona White continues her adjudication experience alongside John Doyle and Roger Webster in the Third Section, having judged at the Norwegian National and Scottish Championships in the past. Sheona will also be in the box at the Dutch National Championships later this year.

Sarah Groarke-Booth will form part of the team alongside Gary Davies and John Maines in the Fourth Section.

Sarah has already enjoyed success at Cheltenham, leading Marple to the Second Section title in 2014, and has gained an eclectic CV of adjudication experience that includes the National Youth Championships, North West and London & Southern Counties Areas and the Wychavon Entertainment contest.

We are pleased to continue our relationship with Kapitol Promotions, and would like to thank Philip Morris and all at Kapitol for involving the Association in this initiative and look forward to further developmentsAoBBA Chairman, Mark Wilkinson

Cheltenham adjudication teams:

First Section: Alan Bourne, David Hirst, John Maines
Second Section: Brian Rostron, David Hirst, Roger Webster
Third Section: Sheona White, John Doyle, Roger Webster
Fourth Section: Sarah Groarke-Booth, Gary Davies, John Maines