It has been announced that the 2020 Netherlands National Championships have been cancelled.

The 40th anniversary event was due to have taken place on the weekend of the 6th & 7th November at the TivoliVredenburg venue in Utrecht.

Explored all options

In announcing the news on the NBK Championship website, Chairman Pieter van Diepen said: "We have explored all options. However, the necessary rules for controlling the Covid-19 virus and ensuring the safety of players, audience members and organisers and volunteers make organising the National Championship in a concert hall virtually impossible."

The event has become an increasing success in recent years in Utrecht at the venue that hosted the 2018 European Championships. 40 bands in five different sections were due to take part this year with the main hall, inclusive bars and excellent facilities attracting a large and supportive audience.

Safety

Pieter van Diepen added: "We respect the government's requirements to ensure the safety of participants, the public, the board and volunteers.

At the moment it's also completely unclear whether our bands can start rehearsing reasonably normally after the summer break. Our event has a unique atmosphere which is removed by having a limited number of spectators.

With this in mind and after careful consideration of all aspects surrounding the event, we have taken the decision to cancel this year's event."

As a result of the cancellation, 2019 champion Brassband Schoonhoven will be invited to represent the nation at the 2021 European Championships in Malmo4BR

Embargo and 2021

It was also confirmed that due to the cancellation a 'performance embargo' on the five set-test pieces will be imposed until the next event in 2021.

As a result of the cancellation, 2019 champion Brassband Schoonhoven will be invited to represent the nation at the 2021 European Championships in Malmo.

The three young players selected for the 2020 European Youth Band will be invited to perform in 2021.

The 2021 Netherlands National Championship will take place at the TivoliVredenburg venue in Utrecht on October 29th & 30th.