2021 UniBrass Championships cancelled

It has been announced that due to the current Coronavirus pandemic which has severely affected the university and higher education sector, the 2021 UniBrass Championships, due to be held at the University of Sheffield on the 6th February have been cancelled.

UniBrass is the University Brass Band Championship of Great Britain. Held annually, it is run by students for students. Every year university bands compete against each other to win the prestigious title of UniBrass Trophy Champion or UniBrass Shield Champion. UniBrass is an entertainment contest, with bands judged on both their musical ability and how entertaining they are. The only event of its kind in the world, UniBrass forges strong links between universities whilst keeping young brass musicians involved in live music. The contest is usually held in February to fit in with the typical university and brass banding calendar, and the host university is awarded via a bidding process. Since the first contest in 2011, the contest has travelled across the country, visiting Lancaster, Warwick, York, and Bangor and will now be hosted by the University of Sheffield for the 2021 contest.

Unfortunately, due to the current Covid-19 situation, the majority of university brass bands are very limited by their respective university’s rules and are unable to rehearse. These restrictions, along with the current uncertainty associated with the second-wave of the pandemic, have forced the UniBrass Organising Committee and Foundation trustees to make the decision that it would not be fair or feasible to hold the contest in February. The intention is to reschedule the contest for a date towards the end of the academic year, in the summer (such as June time). The rescheduled contest will still be held at the University of Sheffield, but the date is not yet determined as the Organising Committee are asking each of the bands to provide their university term and exam dates in order to find a date that suits as many bands as possible. UniBrass is also investigating the possibilities of a special project for release on the original contest date, more details on which will be released in due course. For the latest updates visit the website www.unibrass.co.uk/2021 or social media accounts @unibrass 

UniBrass exists to support university brass musicians at the time many are likely to stop playing, ensuring a strong future for the brass band movement. Since our inception we have been a driving force in the creation of 10 new university bands, have led to the composing of over 20 new works for brass band, and educated a new generation of conductors. As well as the contest, the Foundation provides advice to university ensembles, supports carolling events, has hosted a student conductors course, organised summer music events, and is looking forward to future artistic development activities. 

There are many ways in which you can support the work of the UniBrass Foundation, including by joining the new UniBrass Lottery! Each entry costs just £1, with cash prizes up to £25,000!  From supporting the UniBrass contest to helping set up new university brass bands, your donation will help advance the UK’s vibrant brass band future and support the next generation of brass musicians. Just visit www.unibrass.co.uk/support-us  

If you have any enquiries about the event, please direct them to Voirrey Baker (Sheffield Organising Committee Chair) - email voirrey.baker@unibrass.co.uk  

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