Borrowed Players (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd & 4^th Section Bands only): if you intend to borrow players, please complete this form in full and return it to Lesley Bentley by the Friday one week before the contest (27^th February for 1^st, 3^rd & 4^th Section Bands and 6^th March for 2^nd Section Bands).

All Second Section bands have been advised that there will be a Water Gong provided by GI Percussion from Huddersfield, who are also providing all the other percussion equipment.

Kapitol has issued the following statement:

After speaking to the Music Panel, they believe the water gong is not an issue as the score states that a tam-tam or cymbal can be used instead. Exact wording in the score: “Percussion 2 – water gong (or tam-tam, or cymbal)“. Please let your bands know that they may use any of these options, and that no competing band will be penalised for choosing not to include a water gong. Your competition adjudicators will also need to be informed of this in advance.

Errata have been issued for the fourth section test piece: these may be viewed here.

Errata have been issued for the championship section test piece: these may be viewed here.

Changes to the national rules for borrowing players are now been issued. They can be read here.

The entry form for the 2026 area contest has now been emailed to all the band secretaries. If you have not received it, or your band is thinking of entering for the first time, a copy may be downloaded here.

The closing date for entries is Friday 9^th January 2026.