Due to the success in attracting a record number of entries, the 32 First Section bands competing at the 2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championship in January next year will battle it out in a different contesting format to decide the eventual winners.

Random draw

The 32 competitors will be randomly drawn into two sections of 16 bands each, which will compete on the same test piece in two separate halls, both with two adjudicators.

Top three

The top three bands in each section will then be invited to perform the set work, ‘Hostile Skies’ for a second time in a final play off, judged by one adjudicator from each of the previous qualifying sections.

We always try to encourage and support bands, and are thrilled that so many bands have entered. We shall see how this system works and assess it with the feedback from the bands themselvesBrian Eggleshaw

More money

In recognition of the efforts this will impose on the final six bands, Butlins have increased prize money to ensure all six will receive a cash prize.

Thrilled

Brian Eggleshaw told 4BR: "After much discussion, we have decided to implement this idea to accommodate all the bands that entered. We always try to encourage and support bands, and are thrilled that so many bands have entered. We shall see how this system works and assess it with the feedback from the bands themselves."