Scotland kick-starts the second half of the 2013 contesting season on Saturday with thirteen bands taking part in the 19th Land O’ Burns ‘Brass in Concert’ Contest.

Generous prize fund

Bands from both sides of Hadrian’s Wall, as well as from across the Irish Sea have been attracted to Troon Concert Hall to perform their 20 minute entertainment programmes in the hope that they can claim a substantial part of the generous £6,500 prize fund on offer.

Reigning champions

Reigning champions Co-operative Funeralcare will be looking to retain their title and boost their coffers ahead of their forthcoming British Open appearance by once again getting their hands on the weighty first prize of £3,000.

However, they will be up against a strong field of Championship, First and Second Section rivals, with additional prizes of £1,200, £600 and £450 on offer for those who impress music adjudicator Bryan Allen in the box.

Entertainment prize

There is also a separate £500 prize for the ‘Most Entertaining Band’ to be adjudicated by Iain Shaw sat in the open. The ‘Best Ayrshire Band’ will receive £100.

Rivals

Six times winner Whitburn will be looking to inflict a third domestic defeat of the year on their great rivals after their successes at the Scottish Championship and the West Lothian Festival of Brass, whilst there is sure to be strong challenge from Fishburn, who make the journey up from the North East looking for a repeat of their 1999 victory.

Clackmannan District makes up the quartet of top flight contenders, whilst First Section Cheltenham bound Scottish representatives Newtongrange and Johnstone Silver will be looking for a pre-National Finals boost of confidence.

Warm welcome

Coalburn Silver and Newmilns & Galston make up the domestic First Section challenge, whilst there is sure to be a warm welcome to Downshire Brass from Northern Ireland.

The Second Section challengers come from Irvine & Dreghorn, Kilmarnock Concert Brass, Shotts St Patrick’s and Tullis Russell Mills.

Youth Workshop

In addition there is plenty of fun and games on offer next door at the Ivy Cottage, where from 12 noon to 2.00pm there will be a Youth Workshop led by euphonium star Michael Dodd.

In addition there are free tickets to the contest for any youngster who wishes to take part.

It all kicks off at 10.00am, so if you are in the area why not pop along and enjoy some great brass band entertainment, as tickets are only £6.00 and £4-00 for concessions.

Reigning champions Co-operative Funeralcare will be looking to retain their title and boost their coffers ahead of their forthcoming British Open appearance4BR

Competing Bands:

Clackmannan District
Coalburn Silver
Co-operative Funeralcare
Downshire Brass
Fishburn
Irvine & Dreghorn Brass
Johnstone Silver
Kilmarnock Concert Brass
Newmilns & Galston
Newtongrange Silver
Shotts St Patricks Brass
Tullis Russell Mills
Whitburn