Bold as Brass contest, held at the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield and delivered in association with Brass Bands England, returns on the 15th June 2024, where 10 bands will participate in the inclusive contest.
The format of the event plays with the idea of a traditional March and Hymn Contest to create a brilliant day out for both the public and bands. The spirit of Whit Friday is captured as bands are given 6 minutes to play a march (traditional or non-traditional) whatever and however they like, followed by a separate 20 minute entertainment set.
The lineup of bands and performance times are as followed:
| Draw | Band | Performance Time - street march | Performance Time - own choice |
| 1 | Thurlstone Brass Band | 10:30 | 10:45 |
| 2 | Ratby Co Operative Mid Brass Band | 11:15 | 11:30 |
| 3 | Oldham Music Centre Youth Brass Band | 12:00 | 12:15 |
| 4 | Boro' Brass | 12:45 | 13:00 |
| 5 | Durham Miners' Association Brass Band | 13:30 | 13:45 |
| 6 | Enderby Youth and Concert Band (combined Enderby Concert Band & Enderby Youth Band) | 14:15 | 14:30 |
| 7 | Whitwell Brass Band | 15:00 | 15:15 |
| 8 | Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band | 15:45 | 16:00 |
| 9 | Maltby Miners Welfare | 16:30 | 16:45 |
| 10 | Shirland Welfare Band | 17:15 | 17:30 |
| RESULTS | 18:10 |
Speaking about the event, Brass Bands England’s Event Manager, Jess Wilson, commented: “We’re delighted with the demand for this event, with the 10 places available being filled within two weeks of entries opening, and a waiting list in places too. Collaborating with the National Coal Mining Museum team to create an event that’s focused on participation and creating a unique experience for the bands and audience alike has been a great experience, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming all those attending on site on the day."
Event Details
The event is free of charge for all to attend. In the hopes that the weather will be kind, Bold as Brass will take place in the outside areas of the museum, with the march taking place outside the main visitor entrance and the entertainment set hosted at Hope Pit. A map of the museum site can be found here.
A shuttle bus, managed by the museum, will run between the two sites for those with access needs. The two sites are less than a five minute walk away from each other.
In the event of wet weather, the contest will take place within the museum’s conference suits (Hub).
Food and drink vans will be stationed at Hope, whilst the main museum cafe will also be open throughout the day. The museum gift shop will be open, and tours can be booked to explore the rest of the site.
Parking is limited on site, so please car share where possible.