*
banner

Scottish contesting set for Borders controls

The Scottish Borders Brass Band Association's entertainment contest in Langholm will mark the return to live competition north of the border.

sbbba
  The popular contest marks the return of live competition in Scotland

Live contesting makes a welcome return in Scotland on Saturday 6th November when 13 bands take to the stage in the Scottish Borders Brass Band Association's entertainment contest in the Buccleuch Centre in Langholm.

The contest is the first to be held in Scotland since the Scottish Championships in Perth in March 2020 and will also mark the return to live competition since the beginning of the COVID pandemic for most bands.

Safety

This will be the 19th Borders contest and members of the SBBBA committee have been working hard to ensure the event will run as smoothly as possible with the minimum of risk to the health and safety of players and audience.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The contest has a restricted entry to allow more space and time between bands and has used the experience of the National Championships of Great Britain when Langholm Band witnessed first-hand the steps taken by Kapitol Promotions to enable the competition to be held successfully."

Start time

The contest commences at 10.30am with the last band due on stage around 5.00pm and results expected about an hour later.

Adjudicators for the day are John Doyle and Martin Armstrong and the compere will be Alasdair Hutton. Entry to the contest is £5.00 payable on the door.

Each band will receive a written adjudication and a voice over adjudication with a recording of their performance which will be provided by Nigel Durno from Just Music.

the contest has a restricted entry to allow more space and time between bands and has used the experience of the National Championships to enable the competition to be held successfullyorganisers

Competing bands

Joining the hosts Langholm Town Band are Annan Town, Coalburn Intermediate, Hawick Saxhorn, Galashiels Town (non contesting), Irvine & Dreghorn, Jedforest Instrumental, Lochgelly, MacTaggart Scott Loanhead, NASUWT Concert, Peebles Burgh, Selkirk Silver and St Ronans Silver.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd