There is sure to be a keen edge to the entertainment on offer in West Lothian this weekend, when six of Scotland’s top ranked bands battle it out to be crowned West Lothian Festival of Brass champion on Sunday afternoon.

Premier entertainment event

Regarded as Scotland’s premier entertainment contest it has attracted a strong line up of competitors to the Howden Park Centre in Livingston, all keen to get their hands on the £500 first prize and gain the all important domestic bragging rights.

Each band has to deliver a 25 minute programme which must tickle the fancy of a trio of judges; Ian Brownbill, Bruce Fraser and Simon Johnston will work to an innovative marking scheme that rewards Quality of Musical Performance (50% of the total), Entertainment & Presentation (30%) and Programme Content (20%).

Mission statement

The contest mission statement hopes to encourage the competitors to present programmes that reflect, ‘...the most current and progressive form of the genre and designed to appeal to both the general listener and brass band enthusiast.’

Reigning champions

The line up is headed by reigning champion Co-operative Funeralcare. They are looking to make it a hat trick of wins under the baton of Allan Ramsay, who has won the contest himself with three different bands since 2005.

Reigning Scottish Champion Whitburn will be seeking their first win since 2010 under the direction of Annie Crookston, whilst Kirkintilloch, conducted by Ioin Tonner, will be looking to build on the excellent form shown in qualifying for the British Open at the Grand Shield.

First title

After coming runner-up in the past two years, Kingdom Brass will be looking to claim their first West Lothian title under Lynda Nicholson, whilst Martyn Ramsay leads Lochgelly back to the contest stage after they failed to make it to the starting line up in Blackpool.

The line up is completed by Dalmellington who will be led by one of Scotland’s most experienced MDs, Archie Hutchison.

The line up is headed by reigning champion Co-operative Funeralcare. They are looking to make it a hat trick of wins under the baton of Allan Ramsay4BR

Time, date and line up

It all kicks off on Sunday 9th June at 2.00pm at Howden Park Centre in Livingston, Scotland with a pre-draw of:

1. Lochgelly (Martyn Ramsay)
2. Co-operative Funeralcare (Allan Ramsay)
3. Whitburn (Annie Crookston)
4. Dalmellington (Archie Hutchison)
5. Kirkintilloch (Ioin Tonner)
6. Kingdom Brass (Lynda Nicholson)

Tickets:

Tickets can be purchased direct from Howden Park Centre (Telephone 01506 777666 www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk), priced £11.50, £9.50 (concession) and £6.50 (full time student).