4BR has been informed that after 160 years of tradition, the British Open Brass Band Championships will move to open adjudication.

In an exclusive interview with 4BR, Martin Mortimer broke the news that will stun the banding world.

Considerations

"We will have to dispense with the box over the next few years," he said. "There were lots of considerations and factors to take into account, but external pressures have taken the decision out of our hands."

"We have tried to work around them," Martin added. "But it’s been impossible. We have to change whether we like it or not."

Implement process

The British Open will use the expertise of a German firm of internationally renowned architects to implement the process.

Chief engineer, Sebastian Brant of April der Narr Konstruktion Ltd told 4BR: "We have used a blueprint from our ‘Das Narrenschiff’ book of designs to ensure the process goes smoothly. Temporary internal structures cannot be used anymore, without workers inside being full trained and equipped."

4BR understands that the move to open adjudication will take place over the next five years, to coincide with new EU Health & Safety regulations and a directive on Human Rights Law.

Losing the top is a blow, but the loss of the front is like the end of the British Empireanonymous adjudicator

Appeasement

However, to appease traditionalists, a compromise agreement has been reached so by the time of the 2012 British Open, the firm will have only removed the back of the box, followed by the top in 2013, the two sides in 2014, and finally the front in 2015.

One adjudicator told 4BR: "This is Europe gone mad! The only good news is that the back is coming off first, although we had to fight for the two sides to come off at the same time to ensure no lopsided loss of band sound."

Anger

With unconcealed anger they added: "Losing the top is a blow, but the loss of the front is like the end of the British Empire. Closed adjudication is as British as Chicken Tikka Masala. I was left to weep into my score of Labour & Love when I heard the news."

Sebastian Brant added: "In this way, we will meet EU regulations on health and safety as well as new Human Rights laws on keeping pensioners in enclosed spaces with no natural light, toilet facilities and with only an emergency packet of Werther’s Originals to eat for up to 8 hours."

4BR understands an Appeal to the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg is being considered.