The European Brass Band Association (EBBA) has confirmed that its Challenge Section contest will be dropped in 2027 for a one-year trial period.

Held in different guises since 1994, its purpose has been to provide a competitive opportunity for bands from countries where the national movement and organisation was still developing.

Success

At its outset it saw competitors take part from nations such as Austria, Italy, Finland, Germany, France, Faroe Islands and Slovakia. The success of their participation ultimately led to a number being able to send competitive bands to perform in the Championship Section.

In 2025 Lithuania became the latest nation to enter a Championship Section representative to boost the field to a record 15 bands. However, since 2023 only 3 bands each year have taken part in the Challenge Section, although this has included representatives from Spain and Poland.

Trial

In a statement EBBA said: "We are pleased that participation in the Championship Section has remained strong in recent years, with up to 15 bands representing 14 countries. At the same time, this has led to limited numbers of bands in the Challenge Section.

Running the EBBC without the Challenge Section will be introduced for the 2027 championships as a trial. This will carefully be reviewed to make sure we do not exclude any countries that would like to become a member of EBBA.

Countries that are not members of the EBBA but wish to take part in the EBBC 2027 will be offered the opportunity to perform concerts during the Championships."