Another year's break for Weston Superman contest

The South West Brass Band Association announces that the popular Own-choice contest will be taking a further break for 2017. Speaking on behalf of the Association, Vice Chairman John Woods expressed regret about this decision due to the unavailability of the Winter Gardens, Weston Super Mare, commenting: “The Winter Gardens are now owned and managed by Weston College. Major building work is underway to create a Legal Studies Centre. After the University Centre is opened, 250 new higher education students, 35 new university lecturers and a handful of other jobs will be brought into the building. This combined with repair and renovation on this iconic building, including the ballroom, will provide a multipurpose venue.”

John added: “We have met with the College, which is very keen for SWBBA to use the facilities in May 2018. It will be autumn 2017 before the College expects to take up occupation and is interested in using the services of a brass band to help with the opening ceremonies. Once open, we can enter into a contractual arrangement and plan the contest.” A Weston College spokesperson has, however, reassured us that the Winter Gardens will be available for community events such as this contest and it is recognized that the contest will soon be approaching its 50th anniversary.”

John concluded: “An extensive search was undertaken for a temporary location in 2017. This included a nearby holiday village with historical brass connections. We were, however, unable to agree mutually acceptable terms, so on balance we feel that taking a break is the most sensible option. We would ask all bands that have supported this event and any others who would like to support us, to mark their diaries for 13 May 2018. It would be really beneficial to our planning if band secretaries could send pledges of support to confirm their interest to wsmcontest@gmail.com

"Further details will be made available next autumn in banding press and on the SWBBA web site.”