*
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    


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


Elgar International Festival

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire set to welcome Elgar International Festival of Brass

February 28 • Brass Band Willebroek, Black Dyke Band, Flowers, Foden's and David Childs headline the musical attractions for a day of the very best brass band music making in June.


First Old Boys

Youth fly musical flag for Old Boys

February 28 • A trio of talented young players from 1st Old Boys Band will be making their mark with different representative ensembles later this year.


York Barbican

National Finals to move to York

February 27 • The Section 1-4 National Finals will be held York Barbican this year as the contest heads north from Cheltenham.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


Newmarket Town Band

February 27 • Newmarket Town Band is inviting applications for the post of 'Musical Director'. We are a non-contesting band who play to a high standard with regular bookings throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:30pm


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd