Organisers of the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain (Youth Champs) announced earlier this year that the 2024 event will take place at Dean Close School in Cheltenham on Saturday 23 March. Following recent events in the North West and East Midlands, the location will present a more manageable journey for many groups based in the South of England.
Brass Bands England (BBE) would like to remind prospective and regular entrants of changes to the usual registration window, which has opened early in order to allow bands more time to plan their participation. The application deadline will also fall earlier than usual, with entries closing on Wednesday 31 December, or once places are filled.
Key dates
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Tuesday 3 October 2023 and Wednesday 6 December 2023: Online information drop-in sessions for registered groups and groups intending to register
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Sunday 31 December 2023: Band entry closes
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Friday 19 January 2024: Draw for order of play
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Wednesday 31 January 2024: Deadline for confirmed participants numbers
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Tuesday 5 March 2024: Final online drop-in session
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Monday 11 March 2024: Deadline for scores and compere notes
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Saturday 23 March 2024: Contest day
A fully flexible entry
Youth Champs is open to bands of all shapes, sizes and experience levels. The non-competitive Besson Prodige Showcase Section in particular is perfect for small groups, training bands and newly established ones taking to the stage for the first time.
There are no set-test pieces in any sections, but rather an own-choice; at least one original brass band work must be played in the YAMAHA Performance and Championship sections.
Need to know
BBE recognises that the practicalities of getting to the event can be complex. That’s why they’re hosting a series of information sessions in the lead up to the contest, with the first being on Tuesday 3 October. If you’ve never entered before it’s recommended that you sign up for the session, where you’ll receive support and advice and be able to ask questions to members of the BBE Team.
Full details of the rules can be found on the Youth Champs webpage.