Each year the Ripon City Band organise a brass band entertainment contest in Ripon Cathedral as part of the Ripon Festival. The contest is open to 3rd section, 4th section and unregistered bands. For more information contact the Contest Secretary, Peter Gilby.

Each band has to perform a 20 minute programme of music to entertain and impress the judges. Prizes are given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. A trophy is also awarded for the best 4th or unregistered band not in the top three. Trophies are also awarded for Best March, Best Hymn, Most Entertaining Programme and Best Soloist.

There are three judges: a traditional brass band adjudicator to mark the quality of the music and two judges who assess the entertainment value of each band's programme.

2012 Ripon Contest format.

The timings and organisation of the day for the 2012 contest are different from previous years. Currently, this change is only for the 2012 event. However, we will look at the response of bands to this day and possibly look to do something similar in the future if the demand (and funding) is there.

The date is Saturday 2nd June 2012. Venue is the same: Ripon Cathedral. Please note that this is the first day of the 4 day public holiday to celebrate the Queens Golden Jubilee. This is also the day after the Whit Friday marches which are on Friday 1st June.

The contest will commence at 12 noon following the normal contest format. Entry will be limited to max 12 bands. The music adjudicator will be Richard Evans. The contest should finish by approx. 6.30pm.

From 7.30pm, to commemorate the Queens Golden Jubilee, there will be a celebratory concert by the Fairey Band, which will finish approx. 9.30pm.

There will be an admission charge for the evening concert that has not yet been decided as we need to look at all the costs involved before making a decision. The contest admission charge will stay the same as previous years at £5.

We will look at all the implications of these admission fees in due course but i am sure there will be concessions available for bands or individuals who wish to stay on for the concert.

Contest invites will be circulated to all on the current contact list during mid to late January. (all past entrants and those bands who have indicated an interest in the 2012 event.) This date will also be advertised on the `brass band’ internet websites) Please note that this is an `open’ contest and any band can enter providing they conform to the qualifying rules.

As in previous years, no entries will be accepted before these invites are sent out or the opening date is announced. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and must be accompanied by the entry fee.

Paulette Morton is `gently’ taking over the running of this event. All further correspondence (contest invites etc.) will come from Paulette, however I will be around for some years yet to assist her and I am sure, with your help, the event will run as sweetly as ever.

Peter Gilby - Contest Organiser