BBE re-launches National Coal Mining Museum contest link

The link between brass bands and the coal mining industry is to be celebrated by the re-launch of a march contest with a twist and a turn if you wish next year in Wakefield.

The event hopes to build a great partnership with a friendly atmosphere and enjoyment

Thursday, 21 November 2019

Brass Bands England (BBE) is to re-launch its partnership with the National Coal Mining Museum based in Overton, Wakefield.

The organisations will look to promote the shared cultural history between brass bands and the coal mining industry whilst also embracing future, exciting developments together.

Contest date

It was hoped that a new contest would have been held in 2019. However time constraints did not make this feasible and it has now been planned for Sunday 28th June next year.

It aims to provide a modern twist on the traditional march contest — linking it within a 20-minute entertainment programme.

The National Coal Mining Museum site includes two pits — Hope and Caphouse Collieries.

The road connecting the two sites will be used for bands to perform a march lasting no more than 6 minutes over a distance of approximately 200 meters. Bands can use distance in any inventive way they wish.

After a short break the band will perform a 20-minute entertainment programme.

User friendly approach

The event aims to engender a friendly atmosphere, with plenty of other activities on offer throughout the day. There will be no registration requirements or no player number restrictions.

The draw will be made at 10.00am, with the first band to perform at 11.00am.

There will be coach parking and warm-up space on site. Non-contesting bands who wish to take part will be able to enter and receive comments but will simply not be included in the rankings.

The event aims to engender a friendly atmosphere, with plenty of other activities on offer throughout the day. There will be no registration requirements or no player number restrictions4BR

Awards

There will be lots of awards up for grabs at all levels including youth bands. Although there are no cash prizes, there will be £50 available to the first six bands to sign up who then play on the day. There will also be a prize voted on by the public.

Sign up

To sign up to take part in the contest bands must sign up at bbe.org.uk/events

Places are strictly limited so sign up now for what promises to be a great day out.

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