The organisers of the Pontin’s Youth Brass Festival 2008 have annoucned that they have had to cancel the contest, which was due to take place in June this year.

Statement

The organisers told 4BR: "It is with great disappointment that the Pontins Brass Band Committee have decided to cancel it’s Youth Brass Band Festival scheduled to take place on Sunday 8th June, due to the majority of Youth Bands being unavailable to take part."

Every effort

They added: "The Committee have for the last three years made every effort to re-establish their Youth Festival.

This included a survey of 84 youth bands of which only 28 responded, with the results showing a majority in favour of October and February events. This in fact coincides with the results from the survey carried out by Boosey and Hawkes for the National Youth Contest several years ago.

...along with the task of fitting the event into Pontin’s busy holiday programme, the Committee feel that they have exhausted all options to arrange a weekend of Youth Brass Band Festival which is suitable for most of the nations youth bandsOrganisers

Conflict

Pontin’s would not arrange for the Festival to clash with any other established Youth Festivals, the National Youth Championships (now staged in April), 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, along with the task of fitting the event into Pontin’s busy holiday programme, the Committee feel that they have exhausted all options to arrange a weekend of Youth Brass Band Festival which is suitable for most of the nations youth bands."

Feedback

The organisers concluded: "Pontins are aware that youth bands have discussed the Festival in various forums but have not received any direct feedback from them. The Pontin’s Brass Band Committee policy has always been to invite suggestions for the improvement of it’s Festivals from anyone with the Brass Band Movements interest at heart."

Ideas and thoughts

The organisers are keen to hear from bands and individuals with ideas and thoughts on the contest:

If you wish to do so, then you should contact:

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 Mobile: 07930 562 768 E-mail — frankhodges@bbbr.co.uk