SWEBBA’s Annual Own-choice contest put on hold 

The 2018 Weston-super-Mare Annual Own-choice Contest will not go ahead due to problems of sourcing a suitable venue. 

Organisers had hoped that the contest would revert to its usual venue of the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare following completion of a £15m refurbishment to venue by Weston College. Unfortunately, although the venue is now open for business, it is no longer suitable for staging a brass band contest. 

Said Weston Brass Secretary, Gill Rogers: “The ballroom is a super venue now for a concert. Unfortunately, with only 46% of the overall site now available for hire, it is apparent there is insufficient space to run a contest where, historically, 35 bands and their supporters have gathered."

The Vice-chairman of South West Brass Band Association that runs the contest, John Woods, also commented: “The rooms available for band changing and registration/control room and catering are not ideally located for running a successful contest.” He added: “We have major concerns for the smooth-running of the event and an expectation that all bands would need to use a single staircase to access a band room twice - once to perform and again to leave after performing. Coupled with the fact that this is adjacent to the public entrance to the auditorium, we feel it is unworkable. Whilst this is regrettable, SWBBA will continue to work with local Weston Brass to seek a more suitable alternative venue in North Somerset.” 
 
For more news, features, articles and reviews, subscribe to BBW Digital. Alternatively, subscribe to the printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World)