British Open Solo And Quartet Championships

The future of the British Open Solo & Quartet Championships have been thrown into considerable doubt, following reports that after 14 years of generous financial and administrative support Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council is unable to continue to support the event.

It is believed that due to the climate of severe financial cut backs in local authorities the council has had to make considerable expenditure savings. However, despite looking at alternatives, it has been confirmed that they are unable to provide the sponsorship required to host the annual competition at Dukinfield Town Hall.

Although disappointed at the news, event organiser Frank Hodges is realistic about the event’s future: “We will be trying everyway we can to ensure that the competition continues to be held.  In the past decade or more it has become the most important and prestigious solo and ensemble title in the banding world, attracting entrants from all over the globe. Tameside’s support has also enabled to the Senior Solo winner to travel to Australia to take part in the Ern Keller event, so to lose that opportunity would be a huge blow.”

With sections for Junior, Intermediate and Senior Solos as well as Junior and Senior quartets, the championship has grown in popularity in recent years, especially with competitors from Europe.

  ”It would be a great pity if we had to cancel this year’s event as the number of competitors was already showing yet another increase this year.”

Although no definite decision has yet been made,  if no major sponsorship package is forthcoming in the next few weeks, the sad decision to cancel the 2011 Championships will betaken.

Potential sponsors interested in securing the future of the British Open Solo & Quartet Championships, are requested to contact:

Frank Hodges, 39 Broxton Avenue, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 8NP Telephone: 01942 703217 Mobile 07930 562 768 Email:- frankhodges@btinternet.com