*
banner

2021 National Youth Championships cancelled

Brass Bands England confirms news — but hopes to promote new non-competitive initiative before 2022 return

Youth Championships
  The 2021 National Youth Championships have been cancelled.

Brass Bands England (BBE) has confirmed the cancellation of the 2021 National Youth Brass Championships.

The event was scheduled to have been held on the last weekend in March, but the ongoing concerns over the nationwide effects of the Coronavirus pandemic made this impossible.

Disappointing news

BBE Chief Executive Officer Kenny Crookston told 4BR: "This is obviously going to be very disappointing news to many, but it will come as a surprise to no one given the current circumstances.

We've considered a number of options for the staging of next year's Youth Champs, but ultimately the problems currently being faced by every band in the country make it impossible to plan for such a detailed event at this time."

Possibilities

BBE has confirmed that plans are underway to host the 2022 event on the weekend of 26th/27th March, with the possibility of providing bands with a non-competitive performance opportunity later in 2021.

Kenny Crookston added: "The venue is still to be confirmed but we should be able to do that very soon.

We are also looking at the possibility of a non-competitive festival later in 2021, but there is still a lot of work to be done in organising and scheduling this, so again we will make an announcement as early in the New Year as possible."

BBE staff and trustees remain committed to creating the best possible platform for our young musicians and we look forward to being able to witness them making great music together in 2021Kenny Crookston

Challenging year

He concluded: "BBE staff and trustees remain committed to creating the best possible platform for our young musicians and we look forward to being able to witness them making great music together in 2021.

This has been a tremendously challenging year for all the stakeholders in our Youth Champs and we would like to thank them for their patience and understanding and wish them every success in the year ahead."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd