Welcome to Youth Champs 2023! | Brass Bands England

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Welcome to Youth Champs 2023!

Saturday, 25 March, 2023

Thank you for supporting Youth Champs 2023 by attending in person or following online.

This page should cover the basics of everything you need to know but for more information you can purchase your Youth Champs programme at the venue, where you can also pick up a Youth Champs Tshirt or pin badge, proceeds of which all goes back to supporting the event.

Venue: Haven't got here yet? The address for the venue is: Stockport Grammar School, Buxton Road, Stockport, SK2 7AF. When you arrive, please use the car park nearest the sports hall (carry on down the drive, past the main entrance) as this area is limited and required for band access.

What to expect: Today we’ll hear 38 bands across three Sections: the Besson Prodige Showcase Section from 9am in the Dining Hall, the Performance Section from 11am in the School Hall and the ABRSM Championship section from 2.15pm in the Dining Hall from. We’ll be hosted by some well-known banders, Alex Humphreys and David Hayward, and a panel of Adjudicators all with exceptional experience. The day will finish by 9pm.

Workshops will be happening throughout the day in the Hallam Hall:

  • Workshop 1: Wand Workshop (introduction to conducting) with the Brass Band Conductors' Association (BBCA) (10:30 -11:30) (15:30-16:30)
  • Workshop 2: Training Bands for band leaders, led by Paul Fisher (14:00 - 15:00) (18:30-19:30)
  • Workshop 3: British Army Band Catterick Aspire Session (12:00 - 13:00) (16:30 - 17:30)
  • Workshop 4: BBE’s Brass Foundation’s workshop (to take place at the conclusion of the Besson Prodige Showcase Section. c. 13:30-13:50)

More details can be found here.

Food and drink is available from a vendor outside the front entrance of the building and can be consumed within the Sixth Form Centre, where you are also welcome to bring your own packed lunch. 

While you’re here, make sure to visit the Brass Foundations stand for your free practice sheet and sticker, make your Brass Bands England Awards nominations, purchase your half-price Brass Band Conference ticket, and leave your feedback at the feedback stand for a chance to win 6 months of free Spotify Premium!

We’ll be posting updates here but for commentary, interviews and results please visit our friends at 4barsrest, who today will be supported by young journalist Elise Hale, founder of Brassing Around.

Today wouldn’t be possible without funding from Arts Council England and generous sponsorship from Besson and the ABRSM. Thank you for your support.

If you require further information, you are likely to find it in our Youth Champs FAQ. If you have any further questions, please visit the welcome desk at the venue entrance of the Brass Bands England trade stand in the exhibition area. Or you can contact us online at youthchamps@bbe.org.uk or via Facebook messenger.

Have a great day!