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.
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.