*
banner

BOPA cover now extends to Wales

Brass Bands England has been awarded a Body of Persons Approval (BOPA) by the Welsh Government to help member bands with cross border performances.

Bandsafe
  The BOPA will help member bands performing in Wales

Brass Bands England (BBE) has been awarded a Body of Persons Approval (BOPA) by the Welsh Government, allowing the BBE BOPA system to also cover member bands' performances within Wales.

The new Welsh BOPA allows the scope of the system already in place with BBE in England to cover performances in Wales under exactly the same conditions. It means that bands from both England and Wales will now be able to use the system to perform in either country.

Importance

Talking to 4BR, BBE's Partnership & Relationship Development Manager, Alex Parker explained the importance of the award.

"It was clear that while our BOPA has proven to be successful for bands in England, there were member bands that were faced with differing Child Performance Licensing conditions if and when they performed in Wales.

We were also aware of a growing desire among our existing Welsh member bands, and others, to have access to the system, so we approached the Welsh Government to explore the possibility of expansion.

The resulting BOPA, matching the conditions of the English BOPA which was issued in July 2019 by the Department for Education in Westminster, was and issued by Kirsty Williams AC/AM, Minister for Education on 29th January 2020, and covers BBE members when they meet the conditions of use."

Requirements

In order to receive permission to use the BBE-held BOPA, bands will be required to be members of Brass Bands England, and will be completing the BandSafe Self-Assessment Toolkit to ensure their safeguarding policy is suitable and up to date.

Two band members should complete the BandSafe Training, developed in conjunction with the NSPCC, at least every two years.

When using the BOPA, bands will also need to comply with the relevant Child Performance Licensing Regulations, which can be found at BBE.org.uk/BOPA

Significant benefit

Alex added: "Among other significant benefits to BBE member bands, our BOPA system means there is now a consistent set of requirements for brass bands and event organisers across England and Wales, with a single application process and style of consent forms and consistent requirements for supervising adults.

In order to make the BOPA available to our existing Welsh members, we aim to run BandSafe training sessions in both north and south Wales. Details of these events will be made available as soon as possible."

This is outstanding news for brass bands across England and Wales, and we are delighted that we have been able to provide a groundbreaking solution for all event organisers and bands with young playersBBE Chairman, Mike Kilroy

Solution

Adding his delight at the news, BBE's Chairman, Mike Kilroy told 4BR: "This is outstanding news for brass bands across England and Wales, and we are delighted that we have been able to provide a groundbreaking solution for all event organisers and bands with young players.

It's testament to the work of the BBE staff that government education departments in both England and Wales have now endorsed the system — one which will play a very important role in our long-term aim of providing better banding for all."

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    


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


City of Hull

Brooks and Beatty take dual baton role at City of Hull

June 7 • Daniel Brooks and Jonathan Beatty will spearhead the artistic and contesting focus of City of Hull Band.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd