On Friday evening, Brighouse and Rastrick were informed that to play at the Best of Brass festival they would have to use bell covers, as well as other points as part of the risk assessment.

B&R contacted the organiser and other bands with concerns on the Saturday citing worries of the ability to perform musically with these, problems of intonation and the negative affect this would have to perform at the high level we wish to give to the festival. We informed them that we were not able to match this requirement at this late stage.

After an online meeting with the organiser on Sunday, the committee agreed to try bell covers at the next possible chance to give as much opportunity as possible to play at the event.

The band rehearsed with these on Monday and feedback was taken from the band and the guest musical director. It was unanimously felt that B&R could not contribute to the festival at a musical level which they feel would match the high standards  expected by ourselves, supporters and audience. Soloists were particularly worried about the new challenges  this extended.

B&R and Russell Gray have worked hard over recent times to prepare this performance and it is with deep regret that know we cannot take part in the festival as we would have wanted to.

We wish all of the bands involved in the festival the best of wishes for a safe, musical and enjoyable day.