Nine bands will line up at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil on Saturday 2nd February to battle it out for one of the UKs leading early season titles.

£2,000 top prize

The 36th Yeovil Contest will kick off on the stroke of 9.30am with the first of the competitor’s hoping to catch the ear of open adjudicator Chris Davies as they seek to take home the Chris Palmer Shield and the first prize of £2,000.

The runner-up will take home £1,000 with third place gaining £700. In addition there are individual prizes for the ‘Best Soloist’ and ‘Best Soprano’.

Pre-draw

The pre-draw has already been made with reigning champion Flowers hoping to claim a record seventh success under the baton of Paul Holland.

With the competition taking place just a couple of weeks after the Butlins Mineworkers Championship, Flowers will be hoping to give their bank balance a possible £12,000 post Christmas boost if they can repeat last year’s ‘double’ of victory at both events.

Upbeat

The contest is sure to open in upbeat style with former champions and 2012 runner-up Mount Charles under the baton of Richard Evans, who will be followed onto the stage by debutant Brunel Brass led by John Winterflood.

London finalists Bournemouth Concert Brass under Major Dave Barringer and 2010 champion Woodfalls, who have yet to name their MD for the event, will follow, whilst the Welsh challenge will be provided by regular contenders BTM as they seek their first title under the baton of David Maplestone.

Defending champion

With the defending champion drawn six, the second half of the contest will see Londoners Friary Guildford looking to improve on their 2012 sixth place finish under Chris King, followed by Camborne, who will be looking to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their only win at the event back in 1993 with a second success under the direction of Steve Sykes.

The contest will be rounded off by debutants Jackfield Elcock Reisen under Simon Platford.

Fine entertainment

As always there is plenty of fine entertainment of offer, with tickets always at a premium at the well supported event.

To book your ticket please contact Christine Buckland on 01935 474275 (after 6.00pm) or e-mail chris.ytb@googlemail.com

The pre-draw has already been made with reigning champion Flowers hoping to claim a record seventh success under the baton of Paul Holland4BR

Draw:

1. Mount Charles (Richard Evans)
2. Brunel Brass (John Winterflood)
3. Bournemouth Concert (Major David Barringer)
4. Woodfalls (TBA)
5. BTM (David Maplestone)
6. Flowers (Paul Holland)
7. Friary Guildford (Chris King)
8. Camborne (Steve Sykes)
9. Jackfield Elcock Reisen (Simon Platford)