4BR has been informed that the future of the British Open Solo & Quartet Championships have been thrown into considerable doubt, following reports that after 14 years of generous financial and administrative support, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council is unable to continue to support the event.

Cut backs

4BR understands that due to the climate of severe financial cut backs in local authorities the council has had to make considerable expenditure savings. However, despite looking at alternatives, it has been confirmed that they are unable to provide the sponsorship required to host the annual competition at Dukinfield Town Hall.

Realistic

Although disappointed at the news, event organiser Frank Hodges is realistic about the event’s future: "We will be trying everyway we can to ensure that the competition continues to be held."

He added: "In the past decade or more it has become the most important and prestigious solo and ensemble title in the banding world, attracting entrants from all over the globe. Tameside’s support has also enabled to the Senior Solo winner to travel to Australia to take part in the Ern Keller event, so to lose that opportunity would be a huge blow."

It would be a great pity if we had to cancel this year’s event as the number of competitors was already showing yet another increase this yearFrank Hodges

Grown in popularity

With sections for Junior, Intermediate and Senior Solos as well as Junior and Senior quartets, the championship has grown in popularity in recent years, especially with competitors from Europe.

Pity

The 2010 individual Senior and Intermediate champions Harmen Vanhoorne and Lode Violet, as well as the Senior and Junior Quartet winners, Exit Brass and Brass Band Hageland all came from Belgium, and Frank Hodges told 4BR that he had already been fielding numerous enquires from ambitious European competitors once more this year.

"It would be a great pity if we had to cancel this year’s event as the number of competitors was already showing yet another increase this year."

No definite decision

Although no definite decision has yet been made, 4BR understands that if no major sponsorship package is forthcoming in the next few weeks, the sad decision to cancel the 2011 will be taken.

Interested

If any potential sponsors are interested in securing the future of the British Open Solo & Quartet Championships, then please contact Frank Hodges, 39 Broxton Avenue, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 8NP Telephone: 01942 703217 Mobile 07930 562 768 Email:- frankhodges@btinternet.com