*
banner

Cathedral Brass full up

The Ripon Cathedral Entertainment Contest has had to close the doors on more entrants due to its popularity.

Ripon
 

Organisers of the highly popular Ripon Cathedral Entertainment Contest have announced that it will be filling the pews of the great 16th century building once again this year, as twelve bands battle to impress adjudicator Richard Evans on Saturday June 1st.

Draw

The draw of playing amid the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral which was built in 1547, and is regarded as one of the finest examples of mixed Gothic and Romanesque architecture in the UK, has meant the organisers have had to create a waiting list as long as the number of entrants who will be playing for a top prize of £250 and the chance to travel home with the fine Championship Rosebowl Trophy.

Pleased

Contest Secretary Paulette Morton told 4BR: "We would love to be able to accommodate more bands, as it is such a wonderful venue to perform at.

We were very pleased to be able to say that the response to this year's contest was astounding and places filled within a week, with even some of our regular participants being pipped to the post!

Many thanks to everyone who submitted an entry and hope that those who missed out will try again next year."

We would love to be able to accommodate more bands, as it is such a wonderful venue to perform atContest Secretary Paulette Morton

Prizes

Bands will perform a 20 minute entertainment programme with prizes on offer for the podium finishers (£250, £150, £75) plus trophies, best an award of £75 for the highest placed Fourth Section band, soloist, march, hymn and entertainment.

Competing bands:

Barnetby Silver, Burneside Brass, Denton Brass, Dunston Silver, Durham Constabulary, Garforth Jubilee, Gawthorpe Brass, Marske Brass, North Skelton, Shepherd Group, Skipton and York RI Golden Rail.

This year the day will be rounded off with a concert by Ripon City Band.

Concert finale

Entry is £5 for the duration of the contest. Ticket price for and availability for the evening concert is still to be advised but will be posted on the band's website when confirmed @ www.riponcityband.co.uk

Refreshments are available throughout the day both in the Cathedral and at Ripon City’s own bandroom which is a stone’s throw from the building.

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    


Ammal Bhatia

4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia

January 12 • We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review podcast — RNCM International Brass Band Festival

January 12 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas will be joined by RNCM International Brass Band Festival Artistic Director Dr David Thornton this Wednesday to focus on the forthcoming showcase event in Manchester.


Peter Moore

Moore spotlight in Birmingham, Barcelona and London

January 12 • Peter Moore will be joining forces with various friends and ensembles for a busy January series of performances — including an exciting Trivergence of troms.


Philip Jones

Philip Jones celebration in London

January 12 • Leading student brass ensembles will celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic trumpet player Philip Jones.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd