Butlins has announced that they are to revive the famous British Open Solo & Quartet Championships of Great Britain.

With the official permission of British Open contest organisers Martin and Karyn Mortimer, the rejuvenated event will be held to coincide with the 2019 Butlins Mineworkers Brass Band Festival at the Skegness Resort over the weekend of January 11th to 14th January.

Around the world

Speaking to 4BR, Butlins Contest Advisor Stan Lippeatt said: "We're honoured that we are able to reinstate such a prestigious event — one that has such a remarkable history since it was founded by Harry Mortimer CBE.

We're also excited to be able to develop its future and look forward to welcoming players from around the banding world."

£500 top prize

It was revealed that the Blue Riband British Open Senior Solo Champion will claim a £500 first prize, whilst generous Butlins sponsorship will also see significant awards made to the champion in each of the four other categories.

A British Open spokesperson told 4BR: "We are delighted that such an important event will return to the banding calendar, and that it will be so generously supported by Butlins, who have done so much to reinvigorate the annual Mineworkers Championships.

Over the decades some of the most famous names in the banding world have been crowned British Open champion such as Lyndon Baglin, James Shepherd, James Watson and Phillip McCann, all the way through to Peter Roberts, David King and Sheona White.

We now look forward to seeing who will join this legendary list of winners, whilst the support for the other classes and in helping in particular to revive the lost art of quartet playing is especially welcome."

Generous prize money

There will be a first prize of £300 to the new Intermediate Slow Melody winner (under 17), with £200 to the Junior Slow Melody winner (under 12), and the newly crowned Junior Quartet (under 17).

The Senior Quartet victor will receive £500, with each category also carrying the additional honour of being proclaimed British Open champion.

The Junior Slow Melody, Intermediate Slow Melody and Junior Quartet Championships will take place on Friday 11th January (starting at 6.00pm), whilst the Senior Solo and Senior Quartet Championships take place on Sunday January 13th (starting at 9.00am).

We are delighted that such an important event will return to the banding calendar, and that it will be so generously supported by Butlins, who have done so much to reinvigorate the annual Mineworkers ChampionshipsBritish Open

Entry packs and details

Entry fees are £10.00 for the solo competitions and £20.00 for quartets, with entry packs and further information available from Brian Eggleshaw via e-mail: brian.eggleshaw@gmail.com

Further details will be announced on 4BR in the coming weeks.