After a successful event in 2024, the Bold as Brass contest will return this summer to the National Coal Mining Museum for England, Wakefield. The contest, delivered by Brass Bands England in partnership with the Museum, will take place on Saturday 7 June 2025. Registration will open on Monday 27 January for bands in the Second section and under, including an option for non-competing bands to participate.
What’s involved?
Competing bands will be asked to perform a march and a 20-minute entertainment programme. All performances will be adjudicated (non-competing bands will not be ranked), with trophies awarded to the winning bands for Best March Presentation, Most Entertaining Performance, Best Overall and Best Youth Band amongst others.
Why take part in Bold as Brass?
Feedback from the bands has been very positive, with 4 out of 5 bands who took part in the 2024 event would recommend Bold as Brass to other bands:
“We really enjoyed being part of the event, which was so well run, and are looking forward to applying for next year.”
“The organisation on the day was really well managed. We didn't feel rushed at all, and weren't under any pressure to set up to play quicker than we needed.” 2024 band feedback”
Sitting just before Whit Friday, the event is designed to provide an opportunity for bands to perform marches within their repertoire as well as showcase their summer programmes in a unique space where audiences can sit and enjoy the music.
The 2024 event drew a crowd of over 1,000 audience members.
How can my band enter?
Bands in the Second section and under (as of the January 2025 section structure) can enter from Monday 27 January via our website.
Registration will close at midday on Monday 10 March or once places are filled. There are 10 places available. A waiting list will open if the places are filled before the closing date. Bands on the waiting list will be notified if they have a space in the contest by the beginning of May.
Full details including contest prizes and rules can be found on BBE’s Bold as Brass contest page.