The Triumphant Return of Fleetwood Contest

Red Admiral and Leyland Band Achieve Successful Revival of Fleetwood Contest

Red Admiral Music Academy have already earned themselves a solid reputation for running outstanding events. Now, alongside their partners, Leyland Band, they can add Fleetwood Contest to their roster of successful competitions. After 13 years, the contest returned to Marine Hall and thanks to the efforts of both organisations involved (in this author’s opinion as a player who competed in the contest) it’s better than ever. 

It’s Good to Be Back

Although it has been an event that has split opinion in the past, as a player, Fleetwood contest has always held a special place in my heart. It was where I performed my first contest as Principal Cornet and where I had my first experience of winning a contest. So, to return 13 years later brought back a lot of nostalgic memories. A change to the contest that I did appreciate was it being held on a warmer day with a spot of sunshine in May, compared to the drizzly days when the contest used to be held in October! 

External Communications

When it comes to promotion and external communications, some facets of banding haven’t fully grasped the benefits of utilising social media to reach both audiences and bands about events. So, I appreciated the organisation’s attempts to progress external communications both ahead and during the contest through the use of social media. 

From regular posts showcasing what’s on offer to highlighting where competing bands were travelling from to insights into what the adjudicators are looking for ahead of the competition (something I think should become common practice ahead of all competitive banding events), as well as a competition encouraging banders to share their memories from previous Fleetwood Contests - there was a lot of effort put into the external communications. Even on the day, I appreciated the in-house knowledgeable commentary on social media from Danny Brooks, about our section's performances.

It wasn’t just simply about promotion, the organisation actively encouraged engagement and conversation from competing bands and spectators. It was clear that someone with experience (or someone with a very knowledgeable passion) for communications and social media was trusted with this job and it was a great demonstration of utilising a lot of different skillsets to make this contest a great event. From looking at the positive comments and engagement on these posts from their target audience, as well as how well-supported the event was on the day, it’s clear this paid off!

Well Supported

Alongside the semi-sunny weather and a glimpse of the sea behind the hall, it was fantastic to see the contest so well supported. My mum and I had to squeeze through the crowd inside the foyer to go and listen to some of the bands and had to wander round the hall itself to find a seat! It was also great to see members of competing bands returning to the hall to have a listen to other bands. 

Having spoken to one of the organisers at the event, Stuart Barton in an interview before the event (click here to read), I know how much work had been put into organising this revival. So, it was fantastic to see the banding movement get behind the event with 32 bands from across the country taking part. 

Well Organised

Speaking as a player who competed at the event, the organisation of the contest day was impeccable - a trait I’ve come to expect now from a Red Admiral Contest. Those of us who played at Fleetwood Contest in years gone by would remember having to wait outside and walking through the back of the hall to take to the stage. Not the most ideal setup, particularly on a cold, blustery day in October! However, despite the change in date enabling better weather, an indoor changing and registration area next to the stage was offered instead. 

Having to manage a contest of 32 bands all in one hall without the event running over extensively is no mean feat! The efficient turnaround of bands was like clockwork. No long waiting periods. Before we knew it, we were taking to the stage. As someone who has about a teaspoon of patience, which is only enhanced by pre-performing nerves, I massively appreciated the organisation’s efficiency. 

I can’t go any further without saying a massive thank you to the members of Red Admiral Music Academy and Leyland Band who were on hand throughout the event. Everyone was so lovely and helpful throughout, despite being busy.

The Future of Brass Band Contests?

To this author, it’s clear to see that Red Admiral Contests bring a fresh approach to brass band contests. The ‘test piece’ contest is one of the most traditional forms of contests, so isn’t always the easiest sell, compared with something like an entertainment contest, so for the event to be so well supported, both on and off the stage, is a real testament to this approach. 

From the commitment to modern communication and marketing of the event to the outstanding time management and securing financial pathways that enable the event to be ticketed at an approachable price for most people (I mean £10 for a full day of music is pretty remarkable), Red Admiral Contests just do things a little differently and it does pay off in my opinion. 

As a player, it’s also clear that these are events run for banders by banders. I think there was so much consideration for what we may need/expect. I commented to one of my band friends on the day that it didn’t really feel like a ‘contest day’ in the sense that I didn’t feel stressed, rushed or left waiting around for too long at any point. The mood in the bar afterwards talking to fellow banders was also really positive. 

There was a lovely moment after our performance where I stood with my bandmates, pint in hand and was just about able to hear the next band’s performance from outside watching the sunset across the sea. It was at that moment that I reflected just how good the event was. I’m glad to see that it is in the banding calendar to stay, as the organisers have confirmed that Fleetwood will be held on Sunday 18th April 2027. 

Well done and thank you to all involved in bringing one of my favourite contests as a kid back and giving it a new lease of life.

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