*
banner

Keep an eye on the Crucible...

There will be a keen interest from brass band fans on what is happening both on as well as off the famous green baize at the World Snooker Championships this year...

sNOOKER
  The World Championship is being used as a test event

There is a further boost to the growing possibility of audiences being able to return in number to the Autumn series of major brass band competitions following the news that the final of the World Snooker Championship is set to be played in front of a capacity crowd at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in May.

Pilot scheme

The event is being used as part of the Government's pilot scheme to ensure fans can safely return to sporting and cultural venues — and which includes the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, a mass participation run at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, and several events in Liverpool including an evening at a nightclub, a business conference and a cinema screening in the city.

According to a report on the BBC news website the first pilot event will be a comedy night in Liverpool on 16th April where audience members will be tested for Covid before and after the show.

The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield has hosted the World Championships since 1977, with its closely tired three sided auditorium sits just under 1000 people.

Audiences

The venue will operate at 33% capacity for the first round of matches between 17th-21st April before increasing to 50% for the second round. The quarter-finals and semi-finals will be played in front of a 75% capacity crowd.

Fans will be required to take a Covid-19 test before arriving and another five days afterwards. No under-18s, vulnerable adults or pregnant women will be allowed to attend.

It is being seen as a key indicator to whether or not the venues themselves can cope and what potential audience reaction will be to accepting any restrictions imposed to be able to attend in number.

The British Open Championships are due to take place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham on Saturday, September 11th.

It is being seen as a key indicator to whether or not the venues themselves can cope and what potential audience reaction will be to accepting any restrictions imposed to be able to attend in number4BR

Monitor position

As stated previously on 4BR the organisers have made it clear that they will continue to monitor the overall position, and will be working closely in consultation with Symphony Hall and with the competing bands.

All in all though there may well be more interested people watching Ronnie O'Sullivan make his first break off this year than usual…

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    


4BR review

4BR Review podcast — National Final retrospective

October 14 • Join the live podcast on Wednesday evening to look back at a memorable Albert Hall contest.


National Band of New Zealand

New Zealand names 2026 brass band All Blacks

October 14 • The players who will represent the nation as their National Band have been announced.


Coleridge

Besses help mark Coleridge-Taylor anniversary

October 14 • Besses o' th' Barn Band has helped to provide a timely celebration of the life and music of the pioneering composer black composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.


BrookWright Music

BrookWright Music: Christmas for Two

October 14 • Christmas for Two — 70 Traditional Christmas Songs & Carols for two alike instruments


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You will love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Current 3rd Section National Champions and pending promotion to 2ND SECTION. We require the services of a competent PRINCIPAL CORNET PLAYER. Great opportunity for someone to show their skills and leadership qualities! Enjoyable events and socials!. Contact


Stretford Band

October 11 • Stretford Band (Manchester) has a terrific new MD. Now it needs you! We need bass, trombone and percussion but will welcome anyone who wants to play popular music without the stress of competing. Any ability any age.. Hope to see you soon.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd