The story of 35 years of Pontins Brass Band Championships sees changes in the 1980s and early 1990s.

King

In 1983 a certain D.A. King makes his first appearance at a National Final when he takes Swinton Concert in the Fourth Section. They come 3rd.

Money

By 1985 the total prize fund offered by the organisers amounts to over £11,000. The winners of the Championship Section, Jones & Crossland, pick up £1,250.

200 bands

By 1988 there are still over 200 bands making it to the three qualification contest venues.

Gone are the non PC features, replaced by Karaoke, Cabaret with Richard De Vere (not the posh bloke from To the Manor Born) and Keep Fit with the Bluecoats in the Snowdonia Bar4BR

Prices

Prices to stay at the Finals by 1991 go up to £75 for the Finals weekend – about £5 per bandsman who able to bed down in the chalets for the nights.

The first £2,000 top prize comes in 1991, won by the BTM Band.

End at Easter

By 1994 the Easter qualification contests (the Championship qualification ended in 1993) are at an end and it is a direct invite to the Finals.

Entertainment

Times change in the entertainment field too. Gone are the non PC features, replaced by Karaoke, Cabaret with Richard De Vere (not the posh bloke from To the Manor Born) and Keep Fit with the Bluecoats in the Snowdonia Bar.