The organisers of the Belgian National Championships are hopeful that they may still be able to host the 2020 event in Heist-op-den-Berg on the weekend of the 28th/29th November.

Positive motivation

The organising body VLAMO had initially cancelled all events until the end of August 2020, but following contact with a number of parties they state that they would like to give bands "a positive motivation".

However, they state that they are realistic about the situation, with a spokesperson telling 4BR: "After holding a telephone survey we decided it would be best to give the bands a positive motivation. It is indeed still uncertain for the bands if it will be possible to plan concerts this year.

We remain realistic enough to realize that the measures currently in force may prevent the championships from being organised. Logistical adjustments will of course have to be done so that we can do this safely for everyone."

Non binding

4BR has been informed that if the event does take place participation will be non-binding and that the results of the competitions will not be used to determine promotion or relegation.

The event will also take place on one day only, although Championship Section contenders will still be asked to perform the set-work and their own-choice selection alongside a hymn tune. There will be no split draw.

Bands in the other sections will be able to play a hymn tune and test piece. In the Open Section bands can perform a hymn tune and own-choice work.

We remain realistic enough to realize that the measures currently in force may prevent the championships from being organisedspokesperson

European participation

It was also confirmed that due to the cancellation of the 2020 European Championships in Palanga the 2019 Belgian National Champion, Brass Band Willebroek will represent the nation at the 2021 event in Malmo in Sweden, with the 2020 National winner going to the 2022 event.

Test Pieces:

Championship Section: Terra Australis (Martin Ellerby)
First Section: Connotations (Edward Gregson)
Second Section: Rhapsody in Brass (Dean Goffin)
Third Section: The Prizewinners (Philip Sparke)