As both the IMG and BYBA spring and summer contests had to be cancelled due to the Covid 19 outbreak, the two organisations had investigated the possibilities of running a new series of shows later this year called the Autumn Band Series.
However after much discussion both the BYBA and IMG boards have made the difficult decision that they will not be in a position to go ahead with this concept in 2020. There are multiple reasons for this, including concerns that adequate social distancing would still be difficult to achieve, the current unavailability of venues to book and the fact that many bands may still not be in a position to perform by that time.
BYBA Chair Neil Wright said “It feels sad that we have had to cancel the Autumn Band Series, but we feel the safety of our members, and their supporters are paramount at this time. We are looking forward now to next season when we hope to welcome you all back to our BYBA summer season. We were really excited about the ABS and hope we can build other such events in the near future again with IMG.”
IMG Chair Andy Hewlett said “I’m disappointed that we weren’t able to go ahead with the idea of the Autumn Band Series this year. But IMG and BYBA take safety very seriously and at this stage we didn’t feel that the Coronavirus situation has eased sufficiently for us to be in a position to proceed.
The idea of the ABS was an excellent one and I look forward to working with BYBA again in the future. IMG will now concentrate on building our 2021 spring season, which again will include the WGI UK Regional competition and it will be great to see everyone again then.”