Return of Fleetwood Brass Band Contest 2026

Fleetwood Contest Return Secured by Partnership Between Leyland Band and Red Admiral Music Academy

Leyland Band and Red Admiral Music Academy have announced the return of the Fleetwood Contest, which is due to take place on Sunday 26th April 2026 at the Marine Hall.

The Return of a Much-Loved Brass Band Contest in the North West

The Fleetwood Contest was a much-loved event that was sadly discontinued in 2014.

With the support of Karyn Mortimer and the British Open Brass Band Championships, the return and organisation of Fleetwood Contest will be in the hands of a new partnership between Leyland Band and the Red Admiral Music Academy, which offers the benefit of expertise from both grass-root level and elite brass banding. Red Admiral Music Academy are no stranger to organising expertly-run events with both their march and entertainment contests attracting many bands across the country.

The contest will retain its format as an own-choice event and is open to all sections with the potential for a youth section currently in discussion. However, rather than being held in September, it will now take place the week before the Spring Festival. It offers a great opportunity to compete at all levels, but for bands competing in the Spring Festival, it will offer a chance to perform their test piece to an audience and adjudicators and gain valuable experience and insight.

In addition, there will be a qualification place on offer for the highest placed band not already competing at the Spring Festival to enter the 2027 contest.

Register Your Interest for Fleetwood Brass Band Contest 2026

Further details and entry forms will be announced very soon. However, you can register your interest via redadmiralcontest@outlook.com.

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