22 bands from across Scotland will be making their way to Galashiels early next month for the 16th Borders Entertainment Contest, which is being held on Saturday 5th November in Borders College, Galashiels.

The focus will be on entertainment with each competitor playing a mini concert programme to try and impress judges Michael Fowles and Mareika Gray. Each band will receive written and 'voice-over' remarks and there will be numerous section and individual prizes on offer.

Significant milestone

Allan Doyle, Chairman of Galashiels Town Band told 4BR: "Staging the Borders Entertainment Contest in Galashiels is a significant milestone in the rebuilding of our own band.

We are proud to be taking part, and this will be the first time that the band has performed in the event. We are also delighted to welcome so many bands and visitors to the town."

The contest is being held in the Borders College at Netherdale, where the whole event will run under one roof.

This includes excellent catering and bar facilities and hot food will be served from 9.00am and the bar will be open from 11.00am until the end of the event.

Delighted

"We are delighted with the entry for our contest once again this year," explained Scott Renwick Chairman of organisers Scottish Borders Brass Band Association. "It promises to be a great day of music and we are looking forward to seeing everyone in Gala."

The contest gets underway at 9.30am and entry, payable at the door, costs £6.

Competing bands

Annan Town
Bathgate Band
Broxburn & Livingston
Buckhaven & Methil
Galashiels Town
Hawick Saxhorn
Irvine & Dreghorn
Jedforest Instrumental
Langholm Town
Lochgelly
MacTaggart Scott Loanhead
Newlands Concert Brass
Newmains District Brass
Peebles Burgh Silver
Penicuik Silver
Renfrew Burgh
Selkirk Silver
Shotts St Patrick's
St Ronan's Silver
Tullis Russell Intermediate