Brass Bands England (BBE) has reinforced information released in the UK Government's most recent COVID-19 recovery strategy that there is no current guidance that suggests that banding activity should restart.
It follows a number of enquiries made to them from member organisations regarding the possibility of restarting rehearsal activity in the wake of recent changes to Government guidelines.
No restart
However, in a statement BBE say: "Following the Prime Minister's statement on Sunday 10th May and the subsequent published guidance 'Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government's COVID-19 recovery strategy', BBE would like to reiterate that there is no current guidance that suggests that banding activity should restart."
Explaining this further, BBE Relationship & Partnership Development Manager Alex Parker told 4BR: "On Wednesday 13th May, new guidance came into force relating to workers, schools, travel, face coverings and public spaces.
Unfortunately, none of the updated information makes restarting banding activity possible for the foreseeable future. In addition, the Government is looking to impose higher fines in relation to non-compliance."
Risk posed
BBE also confirmed that the UK Government has set out the potential dates of Monday 1st June and Saturday 4th July for changes to be made to the current restrictions relating to schools, non-essential retail and social contact.
However, Alex added: "These will be subject to up-to-date assessment of risk posed by the virus, so there is no guarantee that changes will be made on these dates. Maintaining social distancing is also highly likely to be key in any situation.
At the point where band rehearsals do become viable, please be aware that it may not be possible to rehearse in your normal bandrooms to ensure the safety of those involved, and it may well be a considerable time before 'normal' rehearsals can resume."
Alex pointed out that current thinking on safe social distancing for brass and other musical groups ranges between 2 and 5m per person, so for a full-sized brass band to rehearse together even at that point could potentially require a space of 35 x 40m.
Following the PM's statement and the published guidance 'Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government's COVID-19 recovery strategy', BBE would like to reiterate that there is no current guidance that suggests that banding activity should restartBBE
Taking advice
He added: "Brass Bands England is maintaining contact with and taking advice from Arts Council England and Public Health England to continue to update the brass band sector and ensure that when brass banding activity does restart it can be done in a way to ensure the safety of everyone involved."
Any person or band wishing to find out further information on these matters can call Brass Bands England office on 01226 771015 or email info@bbe.org.uk
