The 2027 National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain has already attracted a record number of entries following the recent opening of registration for the event.
4BR has been informed that well over half the available spaces have already been filled by ensembles and bands keen to showcase their talents at King Edward's School, Birmingham on Saturday 17 April 2027.
Brass Bands England (BBE) are urging band committees and MDs to sign their youth bands up quickly to avoid disappointment.
Exciting
Interim CEO Sarah Baumann told 4BR: "It's been particularly exciting to see the number of entries from bands coming to Youth Champs for the very first time, and the flourishing youth band organisations bringing multiple ensembles to perform on the day.
Soon we'll be turning our attention to future years, and working with our members to look at how we expand the event whilst retaining the quality and values that bring bands back year after year."
Four sections
The event sees bands perform across four sections designed to provide opportunities for non-competitive and competitive ensembles of all experience levels and ambitions.
Showcase Section: A non-competitive performance opportunity, ideal for bands wishing to perform in a supportive festival environment.
Performance Section: An accessible introduction to competitive brass banding, where youth bands present a 15-minute programme of music of their own choosing.
Yamaha Challenge Section: A 15-minute programme that includes one piece from a pre-selected list, with the added creative requirement that a student must either conduct one of the works or compose/arrange part of the programme.
ABRSM Championship Section: The advanced competitive section featuring a 20-minute programme, including the designated set test piece.
With Youth Champs growing year-on-year, BBE is also keen to hear from bands and organisations on their ideas about future developments for the event4BR
Shaping the future
With Youth Champs growing year-on-year, BBE is also keen to hear from bands and organisations on their ideas about future developments for the event.
An open consultation will take place following the closing of entries, and all participants are invited to attend to voice their thoughts on how Youth Champs can be accessible to more participants in future years.
