There will be 14 bands taking to the stage at the Walker Halls, Troon, on Saturday 29th August to participate in the annual West of Scotland Entertainment Contest.

The bands will be required to play a 20-minute programme of music, which must contain a soloist. The adjudicator is Leigh Baker, with Vanessa Baker judging the separate entertainment element.

Defending champion

Defending champion Unite Scotland Kinneil will face a string field of rivals as they bid to retain their grip on the William Beardmore Shield — including former winners Dalmellington, Kirkintilloch and Barrhead Burgh.

The first band will take to the stage at 9.30am.

There will also be section prizes, as well as for first to fourth overall, for the winning conductor, best solo cornet, best bass section and most entertaining programme. There are two new trophies this year for the best soloist and the best percussion section.

Competing bands:

Barrhead Burgh (Alan Friel)
Broxburn & Livingston (Caroline Farren)
Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman)
Dalmellington (Ralph Brill)
Dunaskin Doon (Chris Bradley)
Irvine & Dreghorn (Joshua Parkhill)
Johnstone (Raymond Tennant)
Kirkintilloch (Martyn Ramsay)
McTaggart Scott (Amy Paterson)
Newmains & District (Robert Fraser)
Newmilns & Galston (Alan Friel)
Renfrew Burgh (Mark Good)
Shotts St Patrick's (Charlie Farren)
Unite Scotland Kinneil (Paul Drury)