It has been announced that the semi-finals of the Young Brass Awards, due to be held on 29th March this year have been postponed to a potentially later date in the year.

4BR has been informed that the decision was taken in light of the spread of the COVID-19 virus and also the decision of the host venue, The Royal Northern College of Music, to move all its tuition to online.

Growing uncertainty

The event organisers, IBB Media Ltd, have stated that the feel the decision is the correct one to take in what they say is "the face of growing uncertainty over the immediate future of live events and in the overriding responsibility of event organisers to protect the health and safety of competitors and audience alike."

They will be in direct contact with competitors and audience alike and as the coronavirus effects become clear in the coming weeks and months they will look into the possibility of alternative dates later this year for the event to take place.

We do want to keep this important event alive for this year and will seek alternative dates as and when advised and able to do soIBB Managing Director, Martin Gernon

No option

IBB Managing Director, Martin Gernon told 4BR: "We unfortunately were left with no option but to postpone this event given the international reach of the competitors and the growing and alarming threat of the COVID-19 virus.

We do want to keep this important event alive for this year and will seek alternative dates as and when advised and able to do so."