4BR has been informed that the decision has been made due to the Coronovirus pandemic to cancel the 2020 Irish Association of Brass Bands and Concert Bands National Championships (IABCB).

The event was scheduled to take place on the weekend of the 18th/19th April.

Announcements

IABCB Competition Secretary, Kevin Teers told 4BR: "In light of government announcements earlier today (Thursday 12th March) regarding COVID-19, the IABCB Executive Committee have taken the decision to postpone the 2020 IABCB National Band Championships.

The announcements will affect the rehearsal capabilities of many bands in the coming weeks, and the safety and well-being of all participants, supporters and volunteers at the event is of paramount importance.

It is our intention to reschedule the event to take place on a weekend in October/November in the same venue, and we are currently working on plans to do so. Details of the rescheduled event will be announced in the next few weeks."

The announcements will affect the rehearsal capabilities of many bands in the coming weeks, and the safety and well-being of all participants, supporters and volunteers at the event is of paramount importanceIABCB

New date

Kevin told 4BR that once a new date has been announced any band will be able to simply transfer their entry to the new date should they wish to do so. Any current player registrations will now be made valid until the end of December 2020 to allow for this change.

He added: "We would like to thank our venue, Dean Crowe Theatre, and our adjudicator, Sandy Smith, for their understanding and co-operation in light of these developments."