NEMBBA currently runs three contests each year, our “association” contest each February, an entertainment contest in June and our own-choice test piece contest in late autumn. We are also working on staging a solo, duet and quartet contest: details will be announced in due course. These contests are open to any band, including those outside the geographic area of NEMBBA (Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire).
June Entertainment Contest
Our newly re-instated entertainment contest will take place on Sunday 22nd June 2025 at the Post Mill Centre, Market Street, South Normanton DE55 2EJ and will be open to a maximum of 16 bands in the first to fourth sections.
The contest will be pre-drawn and open adjudication with prizes for the top three bands, the best band in each section and the most entertaining band. There will also be a special prize awarded to the best new composition or arrangement by a member of a competing band or their conductor.
Bands that competed with us in February will receive a £10 discount on the entry fee.
The entry form can be downloaded here.
The rules can be downloaded here.
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. Bands are not required to join NEMBBA to enter.
This year’s contest will be on Sunday 16th November 2025 at the Post Mill Centre, Market Street, South Normanton DE55 2EJ. Bands that competed with us in February or June will receive a £10 discount on the entry fee.
The entry form can be downloaded here.
The rules can be downloaded here: registered band, training band, unregistered band.
February “Area Test Piece” Contest
Our area test piece contest (also known as our Association contest) is usually held two weeks before the Midland Regional contest 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 be in February 2026 at the Post Mill Centre, Market Street, South Normanton DE55 2EJ. We will be setting the date after the date for next year’s Midland Regional contest has been confirmed.
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 for the contest will open after our October A.G.M.