*
banner

2021 British Open postponed

The British Open Championship will now take place in January 2022 after organisers take difficult decision to postpone September event due to Covid concerns.

Symphony Hall
  The event has now been moved to January 2022

It has been announced that the 2021 British Open Championship, due to be held at Symphony Hall in Birmingham on Saturday 11th September, has been postponed.

All bands originally invited to compete at the event have been notified of the decision by organisers Martin and Karyn Mortimer through correspondence sent by contest controller Frank Hodges.

The 2021 contest supported by Besson will now take place on Sunday 23rd January, with the 2022 event on Saturday 10th September.

Extensive issues

4BR understands that the organisers have had to take into consideration the extensive issues surrounding the potential constraints and safety measures required because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

It also follows detailed discussions with the management of Symphony Hall who have supported the decision to postpone the event until January, although there is good news for brass band fans in that their own Sunday Gala Concert promotion featuring Black Dyke and Cory will still go ahead as planned.

Band support

At a recent Zoom meeting between Martin and Karyn Mortimer and 14 bands invited to take part in the 2021 contest, representatives endorsed their unanimous support for the organisers in their efforts in reaching what was described as "an exceptionally difficult decision to make".

In a statement Martin Mortimer told 4BR: "As organisers we have thought very carefully about the staging of this year's Open. We share everyone's desire to return to contesting, so this is not a decision we have taken lightly.

Whilst generally the situation is improving, we are mindful of potential concerns for both our audience and competing bands. We really appreciated the recent discussions with the bands who gave us valuable feedback and support in making this decision, as well as the close conversations with the B.Music team at Symphony Hall."

He added: "'The World Rejoicing' by Edward Gregson is a wonderful work that we have all looked forward to. It was therefore important to ensure that all the invited bands had the opportunity to take part and deliver their best performance, mindful of the challenges many were facing in terms of rehearsal time and the uncertainty regarding their members being available to play on the day because of the ongoing Covid-19 situation."

As organisers we have thought very carefully about the staging of this year's Open. We share everyone's desire to return to contesting, so this is not a decision we have taken lightlyMartin Mortimer

Lead time

Martin continued: "Alongside this, we also felt it was important for our audience to enjoy the experience of the day's contesting in the relaxed environment we are all accustomed to at Symphony Hall.

The preparation and 'lead in' time involved in a number of key aspects of the event for our team, the bands and Symphony Hall required us to consider the timing of this decision, and we hope that everyone will appreciate the situation."

New dates and further information

4BR was informed that all tickets purchased for the 11th September 2021 event will remain valid for the new date of Sunday January 23rd 2022.

Please wait to be contacted by Symphony Hall B.Music box office for any details around this process, or to claim a refund if you are unable to attend in January.

The 2022 British Open Championship will be held on Saturday 10th September 2022 will once again be supported by Besson.

Tickets for the Brass Gala featuring Black Dyke and Cory are available here:
https://bmusic.co.uk/event/brass-band-gala-2021-featuring-black-dyke-band-cory-band

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    


Desford Colliery

Result: 2025 National Championship of Great Britain

October 12 • Desford surprise the favourites to claim a fifth National title success.


ISB and Fodens

Friday night Gregson spotlights

October 10 • You will be spoilt for a Gregson choice between the ISB and Ian Bousfield and Foden's and Mike Lovatt if you are in London this evening.


World of Brass

Make sure you pick up the latest releases at the Albert Hall

October 10 • The World of Brass trade stand will be packed with musical goodies — from the study score of 'Symphony in Two Movements' to the latest releases from Cory, Tredegar, Brett Baker and the ISB.


Edward Gregson

The composer's viewpoint

October 10 • Edward Gregson talks about 'Symphony in Two Movements' to Dr Robert Childs — as well as previewing it on Radio 3 before the contest day itself.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

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


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.


Audley Brass

October 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 3 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd