Following advice issued to ourselves yesterday by the Public Health Authority in Northern Ireland and today’s publication of Arts Council NI’s “Reopening the Arts in Northern Ireland” report which states:

“Non-professionals should currently not engage in singing or playing wind and brass instruments with other people given these activities pose a potentially higher risk of transmission and whilst research is ongoing”

We find ourselves in the disappointing position of having to advise local bands that they should pause all in-person group based playing activities with immediate effect.

Professional musicians are currently permitted to return to playing in line with guidance contained within the Arts Council report. As we are sure people are aware, the situation continues to evolve at a rapid pace and government-funded research is currently ongoing which will hopefully allow recommencement in some shape or form in the near future.

The Brass Band League will continue to liaise with local goverment departments on behalf of local bands. We are happy to field any queries and will do what we can to help.

Here is a link to the latest information from the Arts Council:http://artscouncil-ni.org/news/arts-council-publishes-manual-for-the-safe-reopening-of-venues