The month long World Music Contest (WMC), due to take place in Kerkrade from 8th July — 1st August 2021, has been postponed for a year due to the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic. It will now take place from 7th — 31st July, 2022.

Earlier it was announced that WMC organisers would delay the application process for entry from competitors as it surveyed the long term effects of the global pandemic. The event is held every four years and attracts over 20,000 musicians and 350,000 visitors.

Too much uncertainty

"There's too much uncertainty at the moment for WMC and its participants to continue with the preparations for 2021," WMC Chairman of the Board Max Kousen said after he revealed contact had been made with a wide range of bands, partners, subsidizers, sponsors, governments and the WMC Advisory Council in order to assess the ongoing situation.

He added: "'Many bands and ensembles are currently unable to make a decision about participating in WMC next year."

It is now hoped that deferring the event to 2022, participating bands and ensembles will have more time to prepare for the contest without uncertainty. WMC revealed that they had been informed that all bands are currently losing performance and concert income.

There's too much uncertainty at the moment for WMC and its participants to continue with the preparations for 2021WMC Chairman of the Board Max Kousen

Breathing space

WMC General Secretary Ludo Diels added: "By postponing the festival, we are giving our participants more breathing space.

Our sponsors also play an important role in making WMC possible, but we don't think it's appropriate to approach companies for a substantial contribution at this time."

70th anniversary

2021 was to have marked the 70th anniversary of the World Music Contest in Kerkrade — one which has involved brass bands from its start, with victories in the past going to the likes of Carlton Main, the National Band of New Zealand and Manger Musikklag. The 2017 champion was Brass Band Willebroek.