The Butlins Mineworkers' Festival has announced a number of initiatives to help attract competitor as well as listeners to the event at Butlins Skegness from Friday 10th — Monday 13th January next year.

Entry packs have been already been sent out to those bands and groups that are currently held on the Butlins data base.

At present there spaces that can be filled in each section, including the Championship event which carries the banding's world's largest prize fund, with a potential £12,000 first prize.

Bands wishing to receive an entry pack should contact Contest Organiser Brian Eggleshaw brian.eggleshaw@gmail.com without delay.

BBE discount

Butlins 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 work alongside Brass Bands England in a partnership, which will 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."

Prize money

In addition to the substantive prize money on offer ( First to Fourth Section winners 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.

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.

Test pieces

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

At present there spaces that can be filled in each section, including the Championship event which carries the banding's world's largest prize fund, with a potential £12,000 first prize4BR

Have a break

Currently, this three night break, based on four guests sharing a silver self catering apartment with 15% off the advertised price is just £85 per guest* and includes accommodation, entertainment and parking.

To find out more visit our website www.butlins.com or to discuss the wide range of accommodation & dining options available, simply call the Butlins Advisors based at Skegness on 0330 100 9334**, (lines are open daily from 9am to 5.30pm)

Bands and family members booking groups of 20 or more paying guests can also enjoy an extra Groups Offer of 5% when you confirm your booking with deposits or full payment before Friday 25th October 2019*,

All offers are subject to promotional availability. Butlins terms and conditions apply.
** Local rate call charge from a landline but may be more from a mobile.