The Pontins Brass Band Committee have for the last three years made a great effort to re-establish their Youth Festival, which incorporates the British Open Youth Section Championships.
Survey
This included a survey of 84 youth bands of which only 28 responded, with the results showing a majority in favour of the contest being held in October or February. This in fact coincides with the results from the survey carried out by Boosey and Hawkes for the National Youth Contest several years ago.
The Committee has therefore agreed to change the format to a one day event on the 8th June at Prestatyn Sands Holiday Centre and ask the bands to play an own free choice programme4BR
No conflict
Pontin’s told 4BR that they would not arrange for the Festival to clash with any other established Youth Festivals, the inevitable conflict with Easter, the National Youth Bands courses and other National Brass Band events and of course not forgetting school exams.
With all of this to consider along with fitting the event into Pontin’s busy holiday programme the Committee felt that they had exhausted all options to arrange a weekend of Youth Brass Band Festival which is suitable for most of the nations youth bands.
New format
The Committee has therefore agreed to change the format to a one day event on the 8th June at Prestatyn Sands Holiday Centre and ask the bands to play an own free choice programme.
It is felt, that this would allow youth bands to use already prepared programmes which would cause much less interference with school exams and possibly allow the pupils a welcome break from what can be a stressful time.
Support
The new schedules are now ready and to ensure the future of this Nationwide Youth Brass Band Festival Pontin’s seeks the support and participation of as many Youth Bands as possible. The Festival aims to provide both a competitive and enjoyable atmosphere for all who attend.
Awards and prize money
The prestigious British Open Youth Brass Band titles are on offer with kind permission of Karyn & Martin Mortimer, to whom Pontin’s are very grateful.
Along with the titles, there will be £3,500 in cash prizes and Trophies awarded to the winners.
General Rules and Prizes:
1. The Entry Fee will be £150, which will include up to 54 participating players passes. Further day visitor tickets may be purchased on the day from the Centre Main Gate at £8 per Adult, £4 per Child, under 5’s free.
2. There is no limit to the number of players in the band.
3. All players must be bona – fide members of the band.
4. A player may play with more than one band if a bona — fide member of that band.
5. Bands may only enter one section of the festival.
6. Only recognised Brass instruments will apply.
7. All Bands must supply unmarked Scores of their music. Please ensure that Photocopy regulations are adhered to.
8. One adjudicator will be used ,seated in the open and scoring from 200 points.
9. Each Band will be allowed a 25 minute Concert Programme of OWN CHOICE.
Any serious breach of the time limit may be penalised by a deduction of points. Timing shall start from the first note or word and conclude at the last note of the programme. It should include introductions & announcements.
10. All trophies may be retained by the receiving bands.
11. The announcing of the Bands programme will be the responsibility of the band, unless you request the Festival M.C. to announce for you.
If you require the M.C. your programme must be with the Festival Organiser 2 weeks before the date of the Festival.
12. Placement will be given to the first four bands in each section only.
13. All bands will receive an adjudication report and certificate.
14. Proof of age must be provided if requested by the Contest Controllers.
15. Prize Fund allocation is subject to the number of band entries.
16. The winning Bands of both Sections will acquire the right to use the title “ The British Open Youth Section Champions”.
The Festival Management reserves the right to adjudicate on any occurrence not covered by the above rules and their decision will be final.
Adjudication and Awards:
Depending on the Adjudication points awarded, all bands will receive either a Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate of Merit depending on the standard achieved.
The following prizes will be awarded as per Adjudicator’s score.
Section A:
Sunday 8th June
FIRST PRIZE: £600 + Commemorative Trophy + The British Open Title
SECOND PRIZE: £350 + Commemorative Trophy
THIRD PRIZE: £200 + Commemorative Trophy
FOURTH PRIZE: £100 + Commemorative Trophy
In addition £100 & Trophy to the Bands with the best Cornet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Basses and Percussion.
Section B:
Sunday 8th June
FIRST PRIZE: £600 + Commemorative Trophy + The British Open Title
SECOND PRIZE: £350 + Commemorative Trophy
THIRD PRIZE: £200 + Commemorative Trophy
FOURTH PRIZE: £100 + Commemorative Trophy
In addition £100 & Trophy to the Bands with the best Cornet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Basses and Percussion.
Concessions:
Although the Contest is a day visitors Event, some bands may wish to arrive on the night before especially if travelling long distance.
In such circumstances, Pontin’s will provide accommodation in Classic apartments as the following special rate:
One bedroom apartment for up to 4 persons — £ 20 per apartment
Two bedroom apartment for up to 6 persons — £ 30 per apartment.
Interested parties should contact the Centre Booking Office directly on 01745 881 800 to make reservation..
Specific Rules::
British Open Youth Championships, Section A:
1. Applicable to all Youth Bands, including Music Centre, School, Community and County.
2. There is no limit to the numbers in the band including percussion. (not tutors)
3. All players must be bona – fide members of the band.
4. Bands may only enter one section of the Festival
5. * Players must not have reached the age of 21 years on day of contest.
6. A player may play with more than one band if a bona — fide member of that band.
British Open Youth Championships: Section B
1. Applicable to all Youth Brass Bands School and Training Bands.
2. Each Band may use 4 Tutors who must be bona-fide tutors to the band but must not play a soloists part.
3. All players must be bona – fide members of the band.
4. There is no limit to the numbers in the band including percussion and tutors.
5. * Players must not have reached the age of 19 years on day of contest.
6. A player may perform with more than one band if a bona — fide member of that band.
Accomodation:
Optional accommodation is available for either Saturday or Sunday night only .
SELF CATERING TARIFF PER CLASSIC APARTMENT including VAT)
ONE BEDROOM TYPE – (Up to 4 persons) — £20 per apartment per night
TWO BEDROOM TYPE ( Up to 6 persons ) — £ 30 per apartment per night
ACCOMMODATION BOOKING FORMS are available from Prestatyn Sands – Tel. 01745 881 800 or from the CONTEST CONTROLLERS:
Further information:
As always any suggestions for the improvements to the Festivals from anyone with the Brass Band Movements interest at heart would be welcome.
For further information please contact either of the Festivals Contest Controllers.
Mr Colin Morrison
22 Rushdon Close, Grays, Essex, RM17 5QW
Telephone/Fax Number: (01375) 409807
E-mail: cm006c6149@blueyonder.co.uk
Mr Frank Hodges,
39 Broxton Avenue, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 8NP
Telephone: 01942 703217
Fax: 01942 212418
Mobile: 07930 562 768
E-mail: frankhodges@bbbr.co.uk
