Welcome back to The Brass Band Podcast: Archive Edition! In this episode, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston dive into the exhilarating world of brass band contesting, a tradition that has driven excellence and camaraderie in the brass band community for over 170 years.

From the historic origins of contesting to the vibrant and competitive atmosphere of modern-day events like UniBrass, Brass in Concert and Whit Friday, we explore how contesting has shaped brass band culture and continues to propel the exceptional standards of musicianship seen and heard across the world.

Get up to speed with the nuances of various contest formats, including entertainment contests, set test piece contests, and own-choice test piece contests. Unravel the mysteries of judging methods, from closed to open adjudication, and explore the heartbreak of relegation and the excitement of promotion.

We’ve got fascinating discussions with several special guests, insights into the logistics and excitement of contest days, and stories from the archives that highlight the passion and dedication of bands and their communities. Tune in to discover why contesting remains a vital part of the brass banding calendar!

For more information, visit our website at https://www.bbe.org.uk and follow us on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share your favourite moments using the hashtag #BrassBandPodcast.

To explore the Brass Bands Archive, visit www.brassbandsarchive.com

Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Scottish Power Foundation for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.

Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)

Episode Guests:

1. Jess Wilson & Rosie Banham (Staff, Brass Bands England)
2. Nigel Stevens (CEO, Brass in Concert // English Delegate, European Brass Band Association // Trustee, Brass Bands England)
3. James Everitt (Trustee, The UniBrass Foundation)

Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann