The second half of the domestic Scottish contesting season kicks off on Saturday 23rd August at Troon Concert Hall, with the 20th running of the Land O’ Burns entertainment contest.

£3,000 first prize

Organised by the Dalmellington Band, the event has attracted entries from bands in the Championship, First, Second and Third Sections, with the winners taking home a hefty £3,000 first prize.

With the British Open just around the corner, defending champion Co-operative Funeralcare will certainly want to head to Birmingham with that extra cash in their pockets, although they will be faced with strong challenges from rivals Barrhead Burgh, Coalburn, Dumfries Town, Dunaskin Doon, Irvine & Dreghorn, Johnstone, Newmilns & Galston, Shotts St Patricks, Tullis Russell Mills, Unison Kinneil and Whitburn.

20 minutes entertainment

Each band will be required to produce a programme of 20 minutes playing time, whilst in line with the contest’s innovative entertainment policy, they can perform two pieces of music using any instrumentation they wish — from bagpipes to Peruvian nose flutes.

The generous prize fund sees £1,200 and £600 go to the podium finishers, with the fourth placed band pocketing £450.

There are also cash prizes of £350, £300 and £275 respectively for the best First, Second and Third Section finishers, a separate entertainment prize of £500 plus numerous individual awards.

In addition to the fantastic music that will be on show there will also be a free youth workshop featuring celebrated percussionist Simone Rebello4BR

Percussion workshop

In addition to the fantastic music that will be on show there will also be a free youth workshop featuring celebrated percussionist Simone Rebello, which is open to one and all starting at 11.00am.

All university, college and school children who attend the workshop will also gain free entry to the contest itself!