*
banner

Cathedral Brass full up

The Ripon Cathedral Entertainment Contest has had to close the doors on more entrants due to its popularity.

Ripon
 

Organisers of the highly popular Ripon Cathedral Entertainment Contest have announced that it will be filling the pews of the great 16th century building once again this year, as twelve bands battle to impress adjudicator Richard Evans on Saturday June 1st.

Draw

The draw of playing amid the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral which was built in 1547, and is regarded as one of the finest examples of mixed Gothic and Romanesque architecture in the UK, has meant the organisers have had to create a waiting list as long as the number of entrants who will be playing for a top prize of £250 and the chance to travel home with the fine Championship Rosebowl Trophy.

Pleased

Contest Secretary Paulette Morton told 4BR: "We would love to be able to accommodate more bands, as it is such a wonderful venue to perform at.

We were very pleased to be able to say that the response to this year's contest was astounding and places filled within a week, with even some of our regular participants being pipped to the post!

Many thanks to everyone who submitted an entry and hope that those who missed out will try again next year."

We would love to be able to accommodate more bands, as it is such a wonderful venue to perform atContest Secretary Paulette Morton

Prizes

Bands will perform a 20 minute entertainment programme with prizes on offer for the podium finishers (£250, £150, £75) plus trophies, best an award of £75 for the highest placed Fourth Section band, soloist, march, hymn and entertainment.

Competing bands:

Barnetby Silver, Burneside Brass, Denton Brass, Dunston Silver, Durham Constabulary, Garforth Jubilee, Gawthorpe Brass, Marske Brass, North Skelton, Shepherd Group, Skipton and York RI Golden Rail.

This year the day will be rounded off with a concert by Ripon City Band.

Concert finale

Entry is £5 for the duration of the contest. Ticket price for and availability for the evening concert is still to be advised but will be posted on the band's website when confirmed @ www.riponcityband.co.uk

Refreshments are available throughout the day both in the Cathedral and at Ripon City’s own bandroom which is a stone’s throw from the building.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Fleetwood

Fleetwood back on demand

May 1 • You can enjoy all 32 performances from the recent Fleetwood Contest on demand


British Open

Live stream broadcast from Spring Festival

May 1 • All the action from the 104th British Open Spring Festival is to be live-stream broadcast this weekend.


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert draws confirmed

May 1 • The draws for the 2026 Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships have been confirmed after being made in Linz.


Spring Festival

Final preparations in place for Spring Festival

April 30 • Bands and organisers are putting the final parts in place ahead of the Spring Festival in Birmingham.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd