4BR has been informed that the North of England Regional Committee has applied to Durham County Council for Body of Persons Approved license to enable its Regional Championship event to be held at Durham's Gala Theatre in March to be covered by covered by appropriate Child Performance Licensing requirements.

Responsibility

Regional Secretary Tony Griffiths told 4BR: "I must stress that it is the individual's bands responsibility to make sure any young people under the age of 16 have appropriate chaperones and must be escorted in holding areas as well as through any licensed areas."

Tony added that Durham County Council had been "very helpful"in dealing with their enquiry and application.

Recommend

He added: "The North of England Regional Committee have taken this action and we recommend that other Regional Committees and bands contact their appropriate local authority to fully understand the impact of this issue, not just for the Regional Championships but throughout the year."

Speaking personally Tony added: "I believe this issue needs further discussion within the banding movement. We are an inclusive event and issues such as these are yet another barrier to overcome.

I will certainly be discussing this issue with my local MP, and I urge others to do the same."

We have taken this action and we recommend that other Regional Committees and bands contact their appropriate local authority to fully understand the impact of this issue, not just for the Regional Championships but throughout the yearTony Griffiths

More information

To find out more about this issue check out the Brass Bands England website at: https://www.bbe.org.uk/news/09022019-1106/child-performance-licensing-how-will-it-affect-your-band