Brass Bands England (BBE) has received clarification from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) over exactly how the forthcoming second national lockdown will affect banding activity in England.

Different regulations and guidance may apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Must stop

It follows Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statement given on 31st October, and confirms that from Thursday 5th November until lockdown restrictions are lifted, all amateur performing arts activity must stop.

This includes all non-school based youth groups, adult and community groups. The Performing Arts Guidance will be updated to reflect this change in the coming days.

Remembrance Sunday

In addition — and in line with the guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government — BBE has confirmed that most amateur groups cannot play at events to mark Remembrance Sunday.

The guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-preparations-for-remembrance-sunday/local-authority-preparations-for-remembrance-sunday

This details that only 'small, military bands' can perform under social distancing although 'buglers can perform outdoors at Remembrance Sunday events'.

BBE understands this to include single cornet and trumpet players, who should play only under socially-distanced conditions.

It is also BBE's understanding that the definition of military bands includes any band administered by the British armed forces, including reservist bands, but these performances should be conducted under the requirements set out in the armed forces risk assessment policy and procedures.

Full details of the measures being taken during the lockdown can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

Guidance for the performing arts is due to be updated before the 5th November. It can be viewed at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts

It follows Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statement given on 31st October, and confirms that from Thursday 5th November until lockdown restrictions are lifted, all amateur performing arts activity must stopBBE

Monitor advice

4BR was informed that BBE will continue to monitor advice to support a resumption of activity when this again becomes possible.

Bands should note that when restrictions are lifted the current guidelines and risk assessments required are likely to be reinstated so any bands having made preparations or already having returned should expect to once again follow this guidance.

Questions:

If anyone has questions on restarting or continuing banding activities, then please contact BBE on 01226 771015 or info@bbe.org.uk