It has been confirmed that for only the second time in its 167 year history the British Open Championship has been cancelled.
The news was released in a statement by Martin and Karyn Mortimer and contest administrator Frank Hodges. All competing bands in the 2020 British Open and Spring Festival series have been informed.
The 2020 event was due to have taken place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham on Saturday 12th September.
2021 date
The bands that were due to receive an invitation to this year's contest will be invited to the 2021 British Open which is scheduled for Saturday 11th September.
In a separate announcement is has also be confirmed that the 2020 Spring Festival has also been cancelled. All bands due to receive an invitation to compete at the festival this year will instead be invited to the 2021 Spring Festival to be held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Saturday 8th May.
Bands qualifying through the 5 scheduled qualifying contests for the Senior Trophy, if these take place, will also receive an invitation to the Spring Festival.
Safety
In the statement the organisers said that they had been closely monitoring the ongoing Coronavirus situation and "the overriding need to maintain the safety of our audience, competing bands and our own team."
They added: "At present it is too early to know, even assuming a relaxation of the current lockdown and other measures, what the effect of social distancing may have on bands playing on stage and spectators in the auditorium at Symphony Hall, or at other brass band contests.
We have maintained dialogue with the management team at Symphony Hall and their recent advice indicates that they have concerns about the staging of events in September and October.
In view of this uncertainty, and with a great deal of regret, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year's British Open."
Performance embargo
It was also confirmed that it has been agreed no performances of the set-work, 'The World Rejoicing' by Edward Gregson will be permitted in the UK before September 2021 so that the UK premiere can take place at next year's British Open.
To maintain this, no performing materials will be released to British bands or the invited European band until May 2021.
We have maintained dialogue with the management team at Symphony Hall and their recent advice indicates that they have concerns about the staging of events in September and OctoberBritish Open organisers
Difficult decision
The spokesperson added: "We believe that this is the first time since the inception of the British Open in 1853 that the contest has been cancelled due to such circumstances.
The 1859 event was cancelled due to a lack of competitors, whilst in 1997 the contest was moved to January 1998 due to the death of Diana Princess of Wales."
They added: "This has been a very difficult and serious decision to make, but we look forward to returning to Symphony Hall to 'Rejoice' in 2021 and enjoy a day of world class performances as well as sharing the day with our banding friends.
Ticket sales for the 2021 British Open will be announced at the appropriate time.
