North West bands will be bracing themselves for a chilly February trip to Blackpool for the next few years after the regional committee announced that the contest will be held on the last Sunday of the month until 2020.

Dates booked

Whilst the 2017 date was announced as Sunday 26th February some time ago, the contest website now confirms that the Championships of 2018, 2019 and 2020 will also take place in February, although they have stated that alternative options were looked at.

Challenges and costs

In announcing the details, the North West organisation also stated that it was aware of potential half-term holiday clashes and that any move to another venue could incur greater expense.

They stated: "The Regional Committee are aware that these dates fall within school holidays which vary from authority to authority. They have discussed this and unless another suitable venue can be found then they will have to remain with the dates already booked.

To move to another venue would mean going to a two day event and this does not seem to be a popular idea and would be added expense to the Region."

the North West organisation also stated that it was aware of potential half-term holiday clashes and that any move to another venue could incur greater expense4BR

Dates unavailable

With regards to 2019 and 2020, they add: "The Committee had tried to move to the last Sunday of March, avoiding any clash with other regional events, but the dates were not available at the Winter Gardens."

4BR understands that bands have already been informed via a newsletter.

Further details

Further information from the North West Regional Championships can be found at:

http://www.northwestbrassbands.org.uk/Events/North_West_Regional_Championships