Challenge Section dropped from Euro Championships

Following a thorough review, the European Brass Band Association (EBBA) has decided that the 2027 European Brass Band Championships (EBBC) will be held without a Challenge Section.

The Challenge Section was originally established to provide an opportunity for countries whose brass band movements were developing and whose organisations were working to strengthen their foundations but, in recent years, bands have progressed to the Championship Section and have remained there.

Participation in the Championship Section has remained strong in recent years with up to 15 bands representing 14 countries. At the same time, this has led to limited numbers of bands in the Challenge Section.

Running the EBBC without the Challenge section will be introduced for the 2027 championships as a trial. This will carefully be reviewed to make sure that any countries that would like to become a member of EBBA are not excluded.

Countries that are not members of the EBBA but wish to take part in the EBBC 2027 will be offered the opportunity to perform concerts during the Championships.