4BR has been informed that continued band support is required by the South West Brass Band Association to help keep the popular Weston Super Mare own choice contest going.

Tough finances

Next year’s 47th annual event on Sunday 17th May, will once again be promoted by the SWBBA, but will take place under much tougher financial constraints.

Banding hands

As a result, Vice Chairman John Woods told 4BR that the future of the event is now very much in the hands of the banding community.

"After detailed negotiations with the operators of the Winter Gardens, we have now agreed a commercial rent that has been endorsed by the SWBBA Executive Committee.

The calculations are finely balanced though, and to ensure future viability we do need the support of bands and their supporters in entering, buying tickets and programmes.

We promise a great day out by the sea for families, and we are grateful to bands that make the journey from as far afield as Cornwall, Leicestershire, Oxford, Bedfordshire and Wales."

We are all determined the Weston contest will reach its 50th anniversary and go on for many more years to come, but we do need supportVice Chairman, John Woods

Candid appraisal

However, in a candid appraisal of the contest’s future, John added that the reality of the situation was that without an entry of 30 bands the event was no longer viable.

"Records show that in the last four years over 60 different bands have entered, so it shows the contest offers an ideal opportunity for conductors to select a piece that suits their bands.

We are all determined the Weston contest will reach its 50th anniversary and go on for many more years to come, but we do need support.

I am optimistic, so I would urge bands to get in touch with us at the SWBBA."