The popular Bolsover Festival of Brass has taken the decision to postpone its 2020 event.

All bands that entered this year have been informed and will now automatically receive an invitation to compete at the contest which will now take place on 3rd October 2021. If bands have been promoted or relegated during the interim period, arrangements will be made to place them in their appropriate section.

Latest guidance

A spokesperson told 4BR: "During all our deliberations we have endeavoured to focus on facts from the two agencies responsible for formulating Coronavirus (Covid -19) response strategies in England.

The very latest guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England is very clear in relation to amateur brass and wind instrument music making.

In all our discussions our key aim has been to ensure that any contest is delivered in an environment which is as safe as reasonably practicable for taking part or attending to ensure we comply with current government guidance. This cannot now be achieved."

Thanks

Speaking about the decision, contest organiser Carole Hirst added: "Can I personally thank everyone for their understanding at this time.

We will now work towards October 2021 to deliver an event that is an enjoyable experience for those involved and demonstrates all that is good about brass banding."

work is now being undertaken to produce a series of 'Bolsover Highlights' programmes which will be broadcast over social media later in the year4BR

Bolsover Highlights

Carole also added that work is now being undertaken to produce a series of 'Bolsover Highlights' programmes which will be broadcast over social media later in the year.

"We may not be able to put the event on this year, but we can remind everyone of just how great it is to perform to a live audience both at the venue and around the world through our live broadcasts of the contests over the past couple of years.

Please keep an eye out on 4BR for news and how you can be a part of it."