*
banner

Butlins announces test-pieces and BBE discount link

The test-pieces that will be performed at the 2020 Butlins Mineworkers Festival have been announced — as well as a 20% entry fee discount link for Brass Band England member bands

Butlins
  The test pieces and a discount entry initiative has been announced

The Butlins Mineworkers Championship organisers have announced the set-works that will test the bands at the 2020 Festival to be held at the Skegness Resort on the weekend of the 10th-13th January.

Once again Butlins has invested heavily with its prize money fund, with the Championship Section title winners carrying away a potential £12,000 for their efforts. Section winners will claim £2,000, with podium prizes of £1,000, £700 and £500.

The popular Butlins Youth Band Festival on Sunday 12th January will have a prize fund of £2,300, whilst the weekend will also see individuals and quartets battle for the British Open Championship titles.

Test pieces

The five senior section contests will take place on Saturday 11th January (the Championship Section on Saturday and Sunday) and will perform the following works.

Championship Section: Songs of Ascent (Jonathan Bates)
Publisher: Jonathon Bates Music

First Section: Symphonic Episodes for Brass Band (Brian Balmages, arr. Mike Kilmartin)
Publisher: BVT Music gcv

Second Section: Galdhøppigen (Simon Kerwin)
Publisher: Musikverlag Frank

Third Section: Gothic Dances (Alan Fernie)
Publisher: Obrasso-Verlag AG

Fourth Section: A Bournemouth Suite (Benjamin Tubb)
Publisher: Jagrins Music Publications

Brass Bands England link

Butlins has also announced that it has linked up with Brass Bands England in an initiative that will see BBE member bands receive a 20% discount on their contest entry fees.

Festival Director Steve Walker commented: "We're delighted to be able to announce this new partnership, which will provide our event with additional administrative and promotional support, as well as benefit BBE members through our discount scheme."

In response BBE Chief Executive Officer Kenny Crookston added: "BBE has long-recognised the importance of the Butlins weekend. Reduced entry to take part in the Festival is yet another benefit that BBE provides."

We're delighted to be able to announce this new partnership, which will provide our event with additional administrative and promotional support, as well as benefit BBE members through our discount schemeSteve Walker

Contact:

Bands wishing to take part in the Festival are reminded that all sections are open to entry — from Championship to Youth events and bands wishing to receive an entry pack should contact Contest Organiser Brian Eggleshaw with immediate effect.

brian.eggleshaw@gmail.com

Further announcements

4BR has been informed that further details and announcement about the 2020 Festival and publication of the test-pieces will be made as soon as possible.

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    


Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: September update

September 21 • Treize Etoiles rise back to No.1, with Brighouse closing in after a second British Open win in four years.


Valaisia

Result: 2025 Besson Swiss Open

September 21 • Valaisia lays down the marker for their Swiss National defence as they retain the Swiss Open title in Luzern.


British Open

2026 Spring Festival test-pieces and judges announced

September 20 • The trio of works and the judges in the Grand Shield, Senior Cup and Senior Trophy have been confirmed by the Mortimer family.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Rockingham Brass Band

September 19 • Trombone Vacancy!. Yorkshire 3rd Section band in Barnsley seeks trombone players! Supportive, sociable band. Rehearsals Mon & Wed 19:45-21:45 at The Band Room, Rockingham Centre, Hoyland Common S74 0PY. Instrument can be provided


Rockingham Brass Band

September 19 • Soprano Cornet Vacancy!. We're a Yorkshire 3rd Section band in Barnsley with a soprano cornet seat available! Fun, friendly group. Rehearsals Mon & Wed, 19:45-21:45 at at The Band Room, Rockingham Centre, Hoyland Common S74 0PY.. Instrument can be provided


Rockingham Brass Band

September 19 • Back Row Cornet Vacancy!. Yorkshire 3rd Section band in Barnsley seeks cornet players! Friendly, welcoming group with team spirit. Rehearsals Mon & Wed 19:45-21:45 at The Band Room, Rockingham Centre, Hoyland Common S74 0PY.. Instrument can be provided


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd