NEMBBA currently runs three contests each year, our “association” contest each February, our newly re-instated entertainment contest, and our own-choice test piece contest in late autumn. These contests are open to any band, including those outside our geographic area of NEMBBA (Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, excluding High Peak, and Lincolnshire).
Autumn “Own Choice” Test Piece Contest
Our autumn contest provides an opportunity for all bands in the fourth to championship sections to play a test piece of their choice, together with training bands (limited to twelve registered players) and unregistered bands who are invited to perform a 15 minute entertainment programme.
This year’s contest will be on Sunday 15th November at the Post Mill Centre, Market Street, South Normanton DE55 2EJ. Bands that competed with us in February will receive a £10 discount on the entry fee.
February “Area Test Piece” Contest
Our area test piece contest (also known as our Association contest) will be held next year on the weekend of 27th-28th February and is open to all bands in the fourth to championship sections. Training bands (limited to twelve registered players) and unregistered bands are invited to perform a 15 minute entertainment programme.
Next year’s contest will hold the third and second sections on the Saturday, and the training and unregistered bands, fourth, first, and championship sections on the Sunday.
Whilst a contest in its own right, it also provides bands with an opportunity for a trial run before their area contest and to gain feedback from an experienced adjudicator. The entrance fee for this contest also includes membership of NEMBBA.
Entries to the contest will open after our October A.G.M.
Entertainment Contest
Our entertainment contest provides an opportunity for all bands in all sections, including unregistered, to perform a 20 minute entertainment programme.
This year’s contest was on Sunday 27th September at the The Whitworth, Station Road, Darley Dale, Derbyshire DE4 2EQ. We are currently considering whether to move the contest to June (away from the national finals and in the hope of better weather so we can play outdoors) or to retain the September slot.