The organisers of this year's Fleetwood Contest have confirmed that the event has now reached its capacity for entries.

35 bands from across the North West, Yorkshire, Midlands, Scotland and the Isle of Man will compete in five sections at Marine Hall, Fleetwood on Sunday 26th April, including a Youth Section.

Spring Festival bonus

The Championship Section which will see a bumper line of bands also compete for the invitation to compete at the 2027 British Open Spring Festival.

The event has returned to the calendar after a 13-year absence under the evolving partnership between Red Admiral Music Academy and Leyland Band, with Daniel Brooks, Academy Leader and MD telling 4BR: "When we embarked on this journey, our long-term ambition was always to have one of each contest-type in our portfolio.

This year will see that come to fruition with the return of the much missed Fleetwood Contest. The added bonus of a qualification invitation to the 2027 Spring Festival in 2027, has brought the contest back with a bang."

Impressed

Dan Moore, Leyland Band Chairperson added: "We were extremely impressed by Red Admiral's inaugural entertainment contest, now entering its third year, so we jumped at the chance to work together on the revival of Fleetwood Contest.

It's really good to see bands supporting this event with their entries. It promises to be a great day!"

It's really good to see bands supporting this event with their entries. It promises to be a great day!Leyland Band

Live broadcast

4BR was informed that it is hoped the contest will be live streamed in partnership with Next Step Films.

Tickets are expected to be available to purchase from mid-February direct from the Marine Hall, Fleetwood website.