British Open considering a Pre-Draw
The organisers of the British Open Championships are asking the bands invited to compete at the proposed 2021 Contest at Symphony Hall in Birmingham on September 11th, if they would consider either a split-draw or a pre-draw as a 'one-off' amendment to the event. These options are being considered owing to ongoing Covid-19 guidelines and associated future potential health and safety restrictions.
Bands have been contacted by organisers Martin and Karyn Mortimer and Contest Controller, Frank Hodges to see if any had objections to a temporary change in the organisational structure of the day to help alleviate cost implications on competitors and to ensure the ability to hold the event safely.
Discussions have taken place between the organisers and the management of Symphony Hall to help build on the initial cautious optimism that would enable the contest to take place after being cancelled in 2020.
One of the key considerations surrounded the ability of bands to travel to Birmingham and book appropriate hotel and rehearsal arrangements. It is also hoped that it would enable health and safety guidelines and regulations to be fully adhered to with minimum disruption to the flow of the contest day and to help bands in managing financial costs. Bands have been asked to comment on their current ability to attend the competition and if any issues have arisen that may prevent this, as well as whether they would consider the implementation of either a spilt draw or pre-draw to assist them.