*
banner

Belgium to host new international contest

Big prizes, innovations and top international bands promised at new International Brass Band Contest in Belgium in 2012.

IBBC
 

Brass Band entrepreneurs in Belgium have announced proposals to hold an annual international brass band contest, starting in 2012, which they hope will become one of the most prestigious events in the banding world.

25,000 Euros

The inaugural championship level event, with a proposed prize fund of over 25,000 Euros, will take place on the weekend of the 11th/12th November next year, based at the Lemmensinstituut in Leuven, with up to 18 top ranked bands taking part.

Speaking exclusively to 4BR, Michael Dils, President of the International Brass Band Contest said: "The contest is for Championship Division bands only. We have already had a great deal of interest from bands in Europe, the UK and the rest of the world, for what we believe is an ambitious and innovative contest format."

Two day split

Michael revealed that the contest will be split into two disciplines – the first half of which on the Saturday will see competitors perform an own choice test piece, whilst the following day they will perform a second own choice test piece, plus a set overture and a featured a solo item from within their band personnel.

Seven judges

Meanwhile, the adjudication will be in the hands of seven separate judges, with the highest and lowest scores discounted on each of the two days to give an overall winner.

Michael added: "I can confirm that Brighouse & Rastrick has indicated that it will compete at the event and will be our featured band in our Gala Concert, whilst the prize fund will be allocated between the top 10 bands.

We hope to be able to help with some of the transport and accommodation costs involved to assist bands making the trip, and also have a pre draw two weeks before the contest to help them too."

I can confirm that Brighouse & Rastrick has indicated that it will compete at the event and will be our featured band in our Gala Concert, whilst the prize fund will be allocated between the top 10 bandsMichael Dils

Outstanding

Michael has also confirmed that even with up to 18 competitors, time issues on both days will not be a problem.

"We plan to start the Sunday at 9.30am with two bands playing per hour. Even with comforts breaks we will ensure the contest ends at an early time.

We have also chosen a very experienced and respected adjudication team, which we are sure, is outstanding. Not only will they judge this year, but also in following years too to ensure consistency."

Website and Facebook

Bands that are interested in taking part in the event will be able to contact Michael directly from January 1st, with a brand new website and a current Facebook page offering further details.

He concluded: "We will make sure all the details are made available to bands to make a decision well before the closing date of 14th March.

We have a Facebook page for current details, and there will be a brand new website page and contact details made available to all interested parties in January."

Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/ibbc2012/

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

September 14 • Dobcross Silver strikes royal gold as they claim the Third Section honours.


arbroath

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section

September 14 • The Fourth Section National title heads to Scotland with Arbroath & Carnoustie.


unite

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd