*
banner

Nonagon at the Octagon in 2013

There is a 9 sided battle to enjoy at the Octagon Theatre for the 36th Yeovil Entertainment Contest next February.

Yeovil
 

Nine bands will line up at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil on Saturday 2nd February to battle it out for one of the UKs leading early season titles.

£2,000 top prize

The 36th Yeovil Contest will kick off on the stroke of 9.30am with the first of the competitor’s hoping to catch the ear of open adjudicator Chris Davies as they seek to take home the Chris Palmer Shield and the first prize of £2,000.

The runner-up will take home £1,000 with third place gaining £700. In addition there are individual prizes for the ‘Best Soloist’ and ‘Best Soprano’.

Pre-draw

The pre-draw has already been made with reigning champion Flowers hoping to claim a record seventh success under the baton of Paul Holland.

With the competition taking place just a couple of weeks after the Butlins Mineworkers Championship, Flowers will be hoping to give their bank balance a possible £12,000 post Christmas boost if they can repeat last year’s ‘double’ of victory at both events.

Upbeat

The contest is sure to open in upbeat style with former champions and 2012 runner-up Mount Charles under the baton of Richard Evans, who will be followed onto the stage by debutant Brunel Brass led by John Winterflood.

London finalists Bournemouth Concert Brass under Major Dave Barringer and 2010 champion Woodfalls, who have yet to name their MD for the event, will follow, whilst the Welsh challenge will be provided by regular contenders BTM as they seek their first title under the baton of David Maplestone.

Defending champion

With the defending champion drawn six, the second half of the contest will see Londoners Friary Guildford looking to improve on their 2012 sixth place finish under Chris King, followed by Camborne, who will be looking to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their only win at the event back in 1993 with a second success under the direction of Steve Sykes.

The contest will be rounded off by debutants Jackfield Elcock Reisen under Simon Platford.

Fine entertainment

As always there is plenty of fine entertainment of offer, with tickets always at a premium at the well supported event.

To book your ticket please contact Christine Buckland on 01935 474275 (after 6.00pm) or e-mail chris.ytb@googlemail.com

The pre-draw has already been made with reigning champion Flowers hoping to claim a record seventh success under the baton of Paul Holland4BR

Draw:

1. Mount Charles (Richard Evans)
2. Brunel Brass (John Winterflood)
3. Bournemouth Concert (Major David Barringer)
4. Woodfalls (TBA)
5. BTM (David Maplestone)
6. Flowers (Paul Holland)
7. Friary Guildford (Chris King)
8. Camborne (Steve Sykes)
9. Jackfield Elcock Reisen (Simon Platford)

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd