Organisers have confirmed to 4BR that 11 bands will line up at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Sunday 15th September to challenge for the right to be crowned 2013 Dr Martin Trust Wainstone’s Cup champion.

Prize pot

The contest has one of the biggest prize pots in UK banding, with the eventual winner picking up a hefty cheque for £4,000 – double the amount on offer for winning the National title at the Royal Albert Hall, and more than is currently on offer at both the British Open and All England Masters.

Growing in popularity

However, contest organiser Steve Goodwin told 4BR that the opportunity for bands to win big cash prizes is only one of the reasons why the event, now in its fourth year, is growing in popularity.

"Bands have now got used to knowing when the event is fixed in the contest diary," he said. "Coupled with the innovative format, excellent facilities, organisation and generous prizes, it’s become an increasingly popular competition to take part in."

The 11 bands will have to perform an own choice test piece and own choice march as well as utilise a featured soloist within their programmes, with that four grand cheque waiting for the eventual winners to take home with them alongside the Wainstone’s Cup.

Meanwhile, the podium finishers will pick up £2,000 and £1,000 respectively, with the fourth placed band receiving £500. There are also £250 awards for both the best march and best soloist on the day.

Returning champion

Reg Vardy will be looking to make it a third win in four years as they return to defend the title they won under the baton of Black Dyke MD Dr Nicholas Childs last year, with 2012 podium finishers Rothwell Temperance and Fishburn back to claim revenge.

Scottish Open champion Co-operative Funeralcare will make the short trip down from north of the border to see if they can take the trophy back over Hadrian’s Wall, whilst the Yorkshire cohort of challengers is made up of Hammonds Saltaire, Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel and Unite the Union (City of Sheffield).

Favourites

North East favourites Easington Colliery and GT Peterlee will be looking to make a mark on the contest against a strong field of rivals, whilst Blackburn & Darwen travel over the Pennines from the North West with Thorseby Colliery making the journey up from the Midlands.

Coupled with the innovative format, excellent facilities, organisation and generous prizes, it’s become an increasingly popular competition to take part inEvent organiser Steve Goodwin

Contest line-up:

Blackburn & Darwen
Co-operative Funeralcare
Easington Colliery
Fishburn
GT Peterlee
Hammonds Saltaire
Reg Vardy
Rothwell Temperance
Thoresby Colliery
United the Union (City of Sheffield)
Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel