*
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    


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Tynan

Tynan adds to conducting portfolio

December 16 • Lostock Hall Memorial Band has appointed Tommy Tynan as its new Musical Director.


wobplay

Pop a Wobplay gift subscription in a stocking

December 16 • If you want to give a no-hassle sure fire winner to the brass band love of your life this Christmas...


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Flugelhorn player.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd