Historical Brass Band Events If you have any details of past brass band events to add to this archive, please email me the information - gavin@ibew.co.uk
Select year 1853 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 ----------------- 1853 5 September 1853 Band Contest - Belle Vue, Manchester MUSICAL GATHERING AT BELLE-VUE MANCHESTER. The proprietor of these gardens, in reference to a paragraph in last week's Mercury, writes " In your account of the brass band contest which took place at the above gardens, on the 5th inst., you state that a correspondent, who was present, writes that 'one of the judges is a musical instrument dealer in Manchester. This is an error, as the three gentlemen who kindly consented to act in that capacity, were the only parties present when the decision was given, as well as during the whole time the contest was progressing. The person to whom your correspondent alludes was not amongst the judges, but on the large gallery in the gardens. I have no doubt your correspondent was misinformed about his presence there, but he should he cautious in making assertions which can be so easily refuted. With respect to the other gentleman having taught the band who obtained the first prize, although I am unable to contradict the statement, I am very doubtful of its truth, for parties of such standing in the musical world as the three - Mr Oakden, band master of the 1st Royal Dragoons, now in Manchester - Mr, Ellwood, band master to the Earl of Ellesmere - and Mr. Dowling, late band master of the 81st Regiment, would not, I think, sacrifice their present good name by giving an unfair decision in a matter like this; but even should they have felt disposed to do wrong, the bands played by numbers, and the judges did not know who were playing, but the prizes were awarded according to their opinion thus No. 8 band, first prize; 1, second; 7, third; 2, fourth." 1855 30 May 1855 Gala + Band Contest - Headingley Gardens, Leeds THE GALAS AT THE HEADINGLEY GARDENS went somewhat somewhat beyond the ordinary Whitsuntide festivals - .the proprietor of the gardens having superadded to the usual attractions a brass band contest. Prizes were offered to the amount of. £100, including forty silver medals, from. the establishment of Messrs. Hirst, Briggate. There were also a large illuminated tent for dancing, displays of fireworks, the firing of cannon, the band of the 7th Hussars, Milburn's band, fife and drum bands, &c. The attendance on the two days (Monday and Tuesday) was between 20,000 and 25,000 persons. Notwithstanding that many bands which had special engagements elsewhere were prevented from attending the gardens, a large number entered the lists. Previous to the contest on Monday the members of the various bands agreed, instead of contesting for the prizes, to divide the money, so that every man should have an equal portion, and to contest only for the medals, The amount distributed was about £50, in addition to the silver medals, which are of very elegant manufacture, valued at £10. The judges were Mr Willis, band master of the 7th Hussars, and Mr. Range, late of the 2nd Life Guards, now band master of the 2nd Stafford Militia. The following is the order in which the bands stood at the close of the contest, with the names of the different leaders, the figures indicating the number of performers; Dewsbury (16), John Peel Keighley (Mr W. L. Marriner's) (16), John Turner Brighouse (17), Philip Robinson Halifax (20), Isaac Dewhirst Whitworth, near Rochdale (14), Joseph Law Yeadon (15), William Hudson Pondan, near Keighley (12), William Heaton. Heaton, near Bradford (15), J. L. Lister. The medals were accordingly given to the Dewsbury band, as the first players. Milburn's band, Leeds, conducted by Mr. Herbert Milburn, and the band of the 7th Hussars, from York, also played in the gardens, but did not compete for the prizes, as the contest was restricted to amateur bands and musicians. On Tuesday, at the unanimous request of the bands, Mr. Martin Cawood assisted the gentlemen who officiated as judges. Before the contest commenced, the amount of money to be distributed in prizes was divided so as to enable every man to obtain a prize. At the close the bands stood in the following order, the sums prefixed being the amounts which they received: Name of band - Number of Performers - Leader £5 Keighley 10 John Turner. £9 Dewsbury 16 John Peel £8 Horsforth 18 Jos. Wilkinson £5 Brighouse (Pratt's) 17 P Robinson £4 Cross Hills 12 Joseph Crossley £3 Whitworth 14 Joseph Law £2 Ripponden 14 John Shaw £1 Batley 18 John Farrer £1 Pondan 12 Wm. Heaton £1 Gildersome 12 John Hudson £1 Barnsley 15 John Wilkinson The Keighley band, which obtained the first prize, also received medals to the value of £10. On Monday we also noticed a drum and fife band from Idle, the members of which were dressed in uniform, which played some excellent music. The total number of performers in the gardens was upwards of 180 each day. The plan adopted by the judges was to refrain expressing their individual opinion upon the respective merits of the bands until the close of the contest when, on comparing notes, what is a somewhat remarkable circumstance, they were all perfectly agreed as to the merits of the bands. At the close of the contests each day, the National Anthem was played, and it produced a most thrilling effect amongst the immense crowds who had assembled. 1856 16 June 1856 Band Contest - The Gardens, Sheffield At a band contest at Sheffield gardens, on Monday last, the Dewsbury players carried off the first prize (£16); the Meltham Mills band the second (£10); the Morley band the third (£5); and Ossett Victoria band the fourth. Sixteen hands entered the contest. Almondsbury, Kirkburton, Holmfirth, and Kirkburton Temperance bands were amongst the unsuccessful competitors. 28 June 1856 Band Contest - Halifax 30 June 1856 Band Contest - Zoological Gardens, Hull A band contest took place at the Zoological Gardens, Hull, on Monday last. Smith's Leeds Band carried off the first prize; Black Dike Mill Band, the second prize; and the Batley Band, the third prize. 15 July 1856 - TO THE EDITORS OF THE LEEDS MERCURY GENTLEMEN,—Will you kindly lend me your aid in endeavouring to put a stop to the present system of Band Contests? They are now becoming very common, but the public are not aware, nor are the musicians themselves aware of the unjust manner in which many of these are conducted towards the players themselves. Their enthusiasm in a soul-inspiring and elevating science is, I confess, extremely liable to hide these acts of injustice - of which I am about to complain. The recent contest at Hull will probably explain more fully. It appears that a contest took place there last week; the wins offered :were £10, £5, and £3; and in addition the railway fares of the several bands were paid. Now twenty-one bands entered, each paying an entrance fee of 10s. - this realised ten guineas. The players themselves, therefore, actually contributed ten guineas towards prizes of eighteen guineas; they left their day's work, which would be sacrificed to themselves and their families; they had to pay their own personal expenses in Hull, and to play the whole day in the gardens there; thus absolutely rendering services for which, had they been engaged, each band would receive £4 or £5. The receipts at the gardens amounted to £300; yet out of this large sum all that came out of the proprietor's pocket towards prizes was £8. Thus those hard-working men leave home at a positive loss of from 5s. to 10s. each to put £300 into the pockets of some speculators at Hull. Take another case. There were peace rejoicings Skipton, on the 29th of May last, and the committee there were wishful to have plenty of music at little cost. They accordingly advertised a contest, giving £15 in prizes. The bands were to pay an entrance fee of 10s. and to bind themselves to be at the service of the committee from early in the morning until late at night, defray their own railway and personal expenses, and give the Skipton folks music ad libitum, for nothing. I could point out many instances of a similar character, but these are sufficient to show that a change is required in the management of these musical fetes. It is well-known how enthusiastic the brass band musicians are, and this enthusiasm, combined with a like want of forethought and reflection, has been imposed upon. The remedy lies in their own hands. The absence of the best bands from these contests would very soon regulate the whole system, and compel these speculators to exercise more consideration and greater liberality toward the competitors. Let me in conclusion offer a few suggestions: 1st. No band should engage in a contest where the prizes are not remunerative. 2nd. The unsuccessful bands ought to have their expenses paid. 3rd. If 14,000 persons can be got together to hear the sweet strains of music, why should not the bands themselves either play for a sweepstakes, or get up a contest among themselves and divide the receipts? I am, Gentlemen, yours respectfully A BAND MASTER 18 September 1856 Floral and Horticultural Show + Band Contest - Morley xx September 1856 Band Contest - Belle Vue, Manchester MUSICAL CHALLENGE FOR £100 - MANCHESTER BRASS BAND CONTEST The decision at the recent contest at Manchester, certainly struck every one who heard the bands play on that occasion as the most barefaced and ridiculous ever sent out to the public; and that gentlemen possessing the situations and standing the judges are supposed to have, could be hoodwinked to give it, excited the disgust of the public, amateurs, and musicians asembled on the occasion, who received it with mingled hisses, cheers, and groans. The Accrington Band, in Lancashire, has sent us the appended note which shows their opinion of the decision and to support our sentiments of the same, WE HEREBY CHALLENGE THE RAILWAY FOUNDRY BAND, who received the Prize Instrument, to play for a purse of equal stakes of £50, £100 or any higher sum, either band to and as they now stand, the leaders singly, or instrument against instrument singly, in one week from this date, the money to be staked in the hands of some disinterested and respectable party; and thus expose one of the worst pieces of jugglery and imposition ever practised on the public at a pretended brass band contest; the greatest part of the persons assembled declaring that they (Railway Foundry Band) played the worst but one on the occasion. We have received offers from other bands, and from private individuals, to back up to any amount and expressive of their disapprobation, and believe that it was all agreed before the contest took place in consideration of CERTAIN WEIGHTY MATTERS, which no doubt will be brought to light afterwards. An immediate reply, addressed to Smith's Leeds Brass Band, 65, Stamford Street, Leeds, will have prompt attention. From the Members of SMITH'S LEEDS BRASS BAND. COPY OF A LETTER FROM ACCRINGTON BAND. September 9th, 1856. As it is the intention of the Two Bands here to write to the public papers expressing our dissatisfaction at the decision given on Monday, we wish your co-operation, and if you are of the same opinion, will you allow us to use the name of your band? As early an answer as possible will oblige, yours truly, R. BARNES, Leader of the Brass Band, Accrington. 1857 29 June 1857 Band Contest - Zoological Gardens, Hull THE BRASS BAND CONTEST AT HULL - On Monday morning, about half past ten o'clock, several of the West Riding bands arrived. The following fifteen bands entered the contest, namely:- Hull Brunswick, Pudsey, Kingston Cotton Mill, Batley, Hunslet Leather Works, Woodhouse Victoria, Blundell, Spence, and Co.'s, Low Moor Ironworks, Almondbury, Hull Druids, Huddersfield, Rothwell, Morley, Gawthorp , and the Flax and Cotton Mill. The judges were Mr. Deval, R.A.M.; Mr. Hunt, of York; Mr. J. Deacon, band master of the 2nd West York; and Mr. J. Wilson, band master of Astley's Hippodrome. The bands were required to play the "Londesborough Galop", and any selected piece they pleased. Instead of twenty-nine bands, which were down in the list, only fifteen entered the arena, the "Black-dyke band", which it was expected would have carried off the first prize, being barred. This band won the prize at Halifax on Saturday, and in consequence was objected to by the "Batley band", which took the second prize. The judges awarded the first prize, (£12 with a cornet value 7 guineas) to the Morley band, who played a selection from "Lucia di Lammermoor", and was conducted by Mr. J. Peel. The Batley band obtained the 2nd prize (£6); they gave a selection from "Il Trovatore"; leader, Mr. J. Farrar, conductor, Mr. R. Smith. The 3rd prize (£3) was awarded to the Huddersfield band; leader, Mr. F. Drake; an "Operatic selection" was given by this band. A bombardon, value (£12), was given by the managing secretaries to the Kingston Cotton Mill Band, it being the best belonging to Hull. 27 July 1857 First Class Band Contest - Zoological Gardens, Hull The First Class Brass Band Contest took place on Monday afternoon, in the Hull Zoological Gardens, which were only thinly attended, compared with the former contest. Only seven bands competed, namely, the Fourth West York Rifles, Leeds Railway Foundry, Royal Wear Yacht Club (from Sunderland), Brighouse, Meltham Mills, Hunslet Spanish Leather Works, and Castleford Sax-horn. In addition to the music which each band had selected for itself, they were all required to play Flotow's grand overture to the opera of " Stradella." At the conclusion of the contest, Mr. Jackson announced that the judges bad awarded the 1st prize to the band of the Fourth West York Rifies; the 2nd to the Leeds Foundry band; the 3rd to the Sunderland band; and the 4th to the Brighouse band, with the remark that the judges spoke favourably of the other bands, which, with more practice, would soon equal their more fortunate competitors. 10 August 1857 Band Contest - Scarborough Castle Yard Scarborough - this novel treat at Scarbro' is to take place on the 10th of August next, and it is designed to be of the highest order, the committee having scoured gentlemen of the highest professional skill, from the London and provincial circles, as judges. There will be two classes of competitors. The first class prizes to be £20, £8, and a splendid new cornet, with German silver valves, value £5 5s, presented by Mr Townsend, of Bradford, musical instrument maker. The second class to consist of three prizes, viz, £7, £5, and £3. The bands will play two pieces each, one of their own selection, and one composed for the occasion by Mr A. J. Peckett. One of the pieces will be a set of waltzes, entitled the "Beauties of Scarbro' " by Mr Peckett. 18 August 1857 Gala + Band Contest - Bowling BRASS BAND CONTEST AT BOWLING - A gala, in connection with Bowling feast, took place on the grounds of W. Walker, Esq., at Bowling, on Monday and Tuesday. The entertainments included a brass band contest, conducted by Mr. Rawcliffe, in which the under-mentioned prizes were awarded: First prize, £10; second prize, £5; third prize, a silver-mounted trombone, value £5, presented by Messrs. Townend and Son, musical instrument makers, Bradford; fourth prize, £2. The following brass bands contested for these prizes: Gomersal, leader, Mr. W. Brooke; Pudsey, leader, Mr. T. Lawson; Bradford Railway Foundry, leader, Mr. G. Sutcliffe; Brighouse, leader, Mr. W. Whitaker; Heaton, leader, Mr. J. Broadley, Saltaire, leader, Mr. J. Rhodes; and Gawthorp, leader, Mr. J. Briggs. The contest opened by all the bands playing "Rule Britannia," after which each band played two tunes of its own selection, and closed with the united bands performing the National Anthem. Saltaire band won the first prize; Heaton, the second; Pudsey, the third; and Gomersal, the fourth. A display of fireworks, by Scott, concluded the gala on Tuesday night, 19 August 1857 Flower Show + Band Contest - Bridlington 7 September 1857 Band Contest - Belle Vue, Manchester The annual contest between the amateur brass bands of the surrounding neighbourhood took place at Belle Vue Gardens on Monday afternoon, in the presence of a vast assemblage of people, estimated at between 12,000 and 15,000. Special trains, all very heavy, arrived from Leeds, Wakefield, Chester, Derby, Preston, Worksop, and intermediate stations. The prizes, given by Mr. Jennison, the proprietor of the gardens, were: First, £25, with an electro-plated cornet of the value of ten guineas; second, £10; third, £7; and fourth, £4. The judges were, Mr. Wilson, bandmaster of the 51st Regiment, Royal Barracks, Dublin; Mr. Smyth, bandmaster of the Royal Artillery, Woolwich; and Mr. Burns, bandmaster of the 2nd Staffordshire Militia. Five bands competed for the prizes, and played in the following order: Leader 1, Smith's, Leeds Mr. Richard Smith 2. Worksop, Nottinghamshire 3.Todmorden, Yorkshire Mr. W. Brook 4. Dewsbury Mr. John Peel 5. Milburn's, Leeds Mr. H. Milburn In the first round, No. 1 band played a selection from Il Trovatore; No. 2, Rossini's Cujus animam; No. 3, a duet; and Nos. 4 and 5, selections from La Traviata. In the second round all the bands played the same piece, which was a selection from Il Trovatore. After the completion of the second round, Nos. 3 and 4 were requested to play a third piece each, the reason being, as we afterwards learned, that the judges had some difficulty in deciding which of the two ought to be placed second to the No. 1 band, whose playing they held to be the best. No. 3, accordingly, played the finale to Lucia di Lammermoor; and No. 4 a recitative from The Creation. The judges characterised the playing of this last piece by No. 4 as admirable, and were so pleased with the performance that they requested No. 1 to play a third piece also, in order to ascertain whether it, or No. 4, was entitled to the first prize, the playing of No. 1 (Smith's, Leeds) was again very excellent, and the judges felt bound to award it the first prize. The second prize was awarded to No. 4 (Dewsbury, Yorkshire); the third to No. 3 (Todmorden, Yorkshire); and the fourth to No. 2 (Worksop, Nottingham). After the contest, the bands united and played the National Anthem ; and upon the announcement, of the prizes being made, the band which won the first went into the orchestra, and played See the Conquering Hero Comes. The contest terminated soon after five o'clock; and the judges, before leaving the gardens, expressed themselves really surprised at the excellence of the performance of all the bands. One of the judges stated that he believed there was a marked improvement upon the playing on a previous occasion, when he also acted as one of the umpires. 1858 28 June 1858 Gala + Band Contest - Zoological Gardens, Hull On Monday afternoon a brass band contest took place in the Hull Zoological Gardens. Twelve bands were present, and the playing, with the exception of that of one or two bands, was very effective. The judge awarded the prizes as follows, viz., 1st prize (£20) to the Morley band; 2nd (£1O) Dewsbury; 3rd (£5) Ossett Victoria; 4th (£3) Nottingham; 5th (£2) Brighouse; and 6th (entrance free) Huddersfield. 26 July 1858 Horticultural Show and Band Contest - "Southend", Darlington DARLINGTON HORTICULTURAL SHOW AND GRAND BRASS BAND CONTEST The Horticultural Society's Summer Exhibition was held on Monday last under circumstances of unusnal interest, a brass band contest being connected with it. The show was held in the beautiful grounds of Southend, the residence of Joseph Peacjuseph Pease, Esq., and the band contest took place in the grounds of Polam, the residence of the Misses Procter and Messrs. R. and W. Thompson. The number of bands that entered for the contest was thirteen; owing to Smith's Hull Druidical Operatic Band and the Morley band not having arrived, eleven competed. The first band commenced at two p.m., and after each band had played one of the two pieces, they gave "Rule Britannia," and "God save the Queen," and then proceeded to play the remaining piece, and concluded as before mentioned. Smith's Leeds Model band and the Bramley bands, at the request of the judges, played one more piece of music each, after which was announced the decision of the judges, viz,: 1st prize, £20, with a silver cup to the leader, valued £5, to Smith's Leeds Model band, Leader, Mr. R. Smith. 2nd prize, £15, to the Bramley Temperance band - Leader, Mr. J. Jackson. 3rd prize, £10, to the Wear Royal Yacht Band - Leader, Mr. R. de Lacy. 4th prize, £6, to the Darlington Band - Leader, Mr. H. Hoggett. 5th prize, £4, to the Clechheaton Band - Leader, Mr. B. Robinson. The names of the bands that contested unsuccessfully were: Staindrop, New Sheldon, Leeds Joppa Operatic, Heaton, Ossett Temperance, and Tees Ironworks. Some surprise was expressed at the Leeds Joppa Band not being placed, their playing having many admirers. The result of the distribution of the prizes was received with much cheering, particularly so, when Smith's Leeds Model Band was proclaimed winner of the first prize. With the exception of not having provided more than one entrance, which, caused a great crush, the arrangements of the committee were satisfactory. The names of the judges in the band contest were Mr. S. Tuckwell, band master, 5th Dragoon Guards (from Manchester); Mr. R. Wallace, band master 18th Hussars (from York) ; Mr. J. Deacon, band master West York Rifles (front Aldershott camp). Cheap trips were run from the towns, &c., on the North-Eastern and Stockton and Darlington railways, and the number estimated to come by road and rail was close upon 20,000, or more than two-thirds of the present population. 26 July 1858 Band Contest - Bank Topfield, Dewsbury On Monday last, a very successful band contest, arranged by the members of the Dewsbury Brass Band; took place in the Bank Topfield, Dewsbury, and drew together a large concourse of people. The judges were Mr. C. Wright, bandmaster, Knutsford, and Messrs. G. W. Phillip and H. Jukes, professors of music, Liverpool. £20 was given in prizes. The following are the successful bands: Black Dyke, near Bradford, first prize, £10; Ossett Victoria, second prize, £6; Kirkburton, third prize, £3; Gomersal, fourth prize, £1. The decision of the judges gave general satisfaction to all parties, and the management throughout reflects great credit upon the Dewsbury band, which, at times, played during the afternoon, but did not contest for a prize. 23 August 1858 Band Contest - Cheltenham Grounds, Harrogate At Harrogate, on Monday, there was a grand contest by Yorkshire brass bands, for prizes amounting in the aggregate to £30. Many thousand Persons were present, a large proportion of whom had come by trains from Leeds, Hull, Newcastle, York, &c. Six bands contested, the competition taking place In the Cheltenham Grounds. The prizes were awarded as follows: 1st (£15), Tidswell's Railway Foundry Band; 2nd (£7), to the Ossett Victoria Band; 3rd (£5), to the Dewsbury Band; and 4th (£5), to the Bramley Temperance Band. 27 August 1858 Band Contest - Cleckheaton On Thursday last, the annual feast commenced at Cleckheaton, and a cricket match was played on the Albion cricket ground, between eleven of that club and eleven gentlemen, the former being victorious. On Friday, a brass band contest took place, when six bands competed for the prizes, amounting to £20, in addition to a silver cup. The first prize of £10 was awarded to the Dewsbury band, and the silver cup to Mr. John Peel, the leader; the second prize, £6, to the Black Dyke band; the third, £3, to Tidswell's band, Leeds; and the fourth, £1, to the Kirkstall Sax-Horn band. The playing of the various bands was excellent, and the award of the judges gave entire satisfaction to all parties. 28 August 1858 Band Contest - Peel Park, Bradford On Saturday, there was a grand brass band contest in Peel-park, Bradford, and the event created no small amount of interest. The contest took place under the auspices of the Peel Park Committee, who offered £40 in prizes. The following bands were entered to compete: No. of Performers Leaders Saltaire Band 20 Mr. Jos. Rhodes Baildon 17 Mr. Bentley Morley 18 Mr. John Peel Cleckheaton Victoria 18 Mr. B Robinson Bramley 18 Mr. Jos. Jackson Slaithwaite Union 16 Mr. E. T. Dardsley Bradford Railway Foundry 15 Mr. E. Woolar Black Dyke Mills 16 Mr. F. Galloway Ossett Victoria 16 Mr. W. Lofthouse Dewsbury 18 Mr. Blackburn Heaton 18 Mr. B. Bennett Almondbury 12 Mr. J. Vickerman Leeds Milburn's 15 Mr. H. Milburn. In order to test the abilities of the bands, the committee had engaged Mr. W. Jackson, of Bradford, to compose a piece of music expressly for the occasion; and the umpires were empowered to award a prize of £10 to the band which should perform the new composition best, a second prize of £5 to the next best performance, a third prize of £3, and a fourth prize of £2. It was also a regulation that after this contest had been decided each band should play a piece or selection of their own choosing, for which a similar series of prizes was offered. The umpires appointed were Mr. Tuckwell, of the band of the 5th Dragoon Guards, and Mr. Phillips, of Liverpool, with Mr. Jackson as referee. The performances took place in the large orchestra in the park. The playing altogether was very good, and the contests severe in several points, although the judges were quite unanimous in their decisions. For the performance of Mr. Jackson's new composition the first prize (£10) was awarded to the Bramley band; the second (£5) to the Baildon band; the third (£3) to the Black Dyke Mills band; and the fourth (£2) to the Cleckheaton Victoria band. In the second round of performances, in which each band played music of their own choosing, the prizes were awarded as follow ;—First (£10) to the Black Dyke Mills band; second (£5), Baildon; third (£3), Saltaire; and fourth (£2), Clockheaton Victoria. The introduction into the Saltaire band of three superior players who did not belong to that band, caused considerable commotion and disputation, the other bands objecting to the proceeding as being irregular, and contrary to the understood regulations. Ultimately, the members of the Saltaire band agreed to withdraw the three performers objected to. Then it appeared that the Saltaire band had with them a player who, though a native of that place or its vicinity, had been travelling for nearly twelve months as a professional player in connection with a public exhibition. He also was objected to by the other competing bands who, when it came to the turn of the Saltaire band to play, made all sorts of discordant noises, and refused the band a hearing. In the end the travelling performer was also withdrawn. Two or three other bands agreed to withdraw extra men they had obtained, and all the bands performed without any additions to their usual number. The excitement produced by the dispute which arose was calculated to impair the condition of the Saltaire band for competing, apart from the reduction in the number of men with whom they entered the field. A brilliant display of fireworks, by Professor Scott, succeeded the music. Upwards of 13,000 persons visited the park in the course of the afternoon and evening, and the receipts for admission amounted to £154 17s. It is estimated that the expenses win be about £80, so that a balance of something like £75 will remain for the benefit of the Peel park fund. Four of the bands entered did not engage in the contest, viz, the Ossett, Dewsbury, Morley, and Almondbury bands. 30 August 1858 Band Contest - Castle Grounds, Barnard Castle A brass band contest; organised by gentlemen of Barnard Castle, took Place in the Castle grounds, and six bands (out of ten invited) entered for competition, the prizes being awarded as follows: Darlington Sax Horn Band, leader Mr. Hoggett, ten guineas; New Shildon Sax Horn Band, leader Mr. R. De Lacey, five guineas; Barnard Castle Band, leader Mr. Brandon, three guineas; Middlesbro' Tees Iron Works, leader Mr. O. H. Fidler, two guineas. The New Shildon Philharmonic Band, led by Mr. R. O. Bowron, and the Staindrop Band, led by Mr. T. Woods, were the unsuccessful competitors, although their performance was excellent, and met with hearty applause. Each band selected its own pieces. The judges engaged for the occasion were Mr. R. Stoeckel, band master of the 16th Queen's Lancers (from Edinburgh); Mr. W. M. Foster, band master of the 9th Infantry (from Sunderland), whose decision, we believe, will be generally coincided in even by the members of the bands themselves. 7 September 1858 Band Contest - Belle Vue, Manchester On Tuesday afternoon, the annual brass band contest took place at Belle Vue Gardens, for five prizes given by Mr. Jennison, the propritetor of the gardens, the first being £25, the second £10, the third £6, the fourth £4, and the fifth £3. A large concourse of people, estimated at 10,000, being composed chiefly of excursionists, assembled. The following eight bands competed for the prizes: Leader Gomersal, near Leeds, 21 performers John Brook, Dewsbury, Yorlishire, 18 performers John Peel (conductor S. Greenwood) Holmfirth Temperance W. Mosley Meltham Mills, 18 performers Alfred Jackson Accrington Ratcliff Barnes Mossley Temperance, 13 performers William Taylor Ossett Temperance Model, near Wakefield John Farrar (conductor R. Smith) Monk Bridge, Leeds J. F. Drake The playing commenced shortly after one o'clock, and two rounds were played, in the latter the same piece being played by all the bands. The judges were Mr. Stanton Jones, band manager of London; Mr Samuel Hughes, band-master, Belle Vue; and Mr Uriah Richardson, of Bristol, These gentlemen having some difficulty in deciding between the merits of the Accrington the Dewsbury bands, which they considered had beaten the other competitors, desired these two to play again; and this having been done, the judges soon after gave their decision as follows: First prize, Accrington; second, Dewsbury; third, Mossley Temperance; fourth, Holmfirth Temperance; and fifth, Meltham Mills, The playing of all the bands was highly creditable. 1859 7 May 1859 Band Contest - St George's Hall, Bradford The brass bands of Dewsbury and Baildon competed for a prize of £50 on Saturday evening, in St. George's hall, Bradford. Each band performed six pieces, part of the music composed for the occasion, and the rest of the bands' own choosing. The judges awarded the prize to the Baildon band. The decision was announced from the orchestra by Mr. Olliver, secretary to the St. George's hall Company, and was received with loud cheers by the friends and partisans of the winning musicians. The number of persons who paid for admission to the hall on the occasion was 2,117, and the affair caused almost as much popular excitement as a contested Parliamentary election, 23 May 1859 Band Contest - Zoological Gardens, Hull 6 June 1859 Gala + Band Contest - Temple Grounds, Lincoln At, the band contest held at Lincoln on Monday last, the Holmfirth Temperance Band obtained the fourth prize. 15 June 1859 Floral Fete + Band Contest - Asylum Grounds, Bootham, York THE GRAND YORKSHIRE GALA - This magnificent fete commenced on Tuesday last, and was well attended. The gala was held in the large field in front of the County Asylum, in Bootham, and the arrangements for its celebration were completed and well carried out by an efficient committee. There were 4,000 persons present. On Wednesday last, the company was far more numerous than on the first day. There was a brass band contest, the bands that competed for the prizes being the Black Dyke Mills, the Meltham Mills, the Compstall, near Stockport, Smith's Model Band from Leeds, the Baildon, the Bramley Temperance, the Dewsbury, and the York Operatic bands. The weather was fine, and the crowds of visitors enjoyed the pleasures of the scene with evident satisfaction. THE YORKSHIRE GALA AT YORK - The grand gala at York was of the most successful description on Tuesday and Wednesday last. It was held in the large field belonging to the County Asylum in Bootham. On the first day 4,000 persons were present, and on the last day nearly 17,000, The brass band contest took place on Wednesday, when six bands competed for the prizes, namely, the Black Dyke Mills, which obtained the first, of £30; the Bramley, which was awarded the second, of £15 ; the Dewsbury, which received the third, of £10; Compstall, which took the fourth, of £5; the York Amateur, and the Baildon - the two latter bands being unsuccessful, had each awarded a gratuity of £2 for their musical services. The magnificent display of plants in five tents was again open, and at half-past six o'clock in the evening there was a balloon ascent by Mr. Coxwell, the aeronaut. The gala concluded at half-past nine, with dancing on the green sward, The weather on both days was delightful. 27 June 1859 Gala + Band Contest - Newhall Gardens, Sheffield BRASS BAND CONTEST AT SHEFFIELD - About ten thousand persons assembled at the Newhall gardens on Monday to witness a series of interesting entertainments which had been provided by Mr. Warhurst, the proprietor. The most important attraction was a brass baud contest for prizes amounting in the aggregate to £32. The judges were Mr. Robert Wallace, band master of the 18th Hussars; and Mr. C. Pappe, band master of the 22nd Infantry. On former occasions the competing bands have played a piece selected by those who got up the contest, but as this caused the performance to be somewhat monotonous, each band was allowed to make its own selections. Nineteen bands were announced as having entered for competition, but of these the following twelve, for some reasons, were not present: Ossett, Staunton, Allendale Town, Methley, Whitworth, Meltham Mills, Black Dyke Mills, Horncastle, Wearmouth, Cleadon, and Kingston. The seven remaining bands, who competed for the prizes, were: Bramley, Chesterfield, Dewsbury, Dronfield, Eccleshall, Kirkburton, and Lincoln City. They performed selections from "La Traviata", "Il Trovatore", "Martha", "Lucia di Lammermoor" and other operas, in a very creditable style, especially Dewsbury and Bramley, and were warmly applauded. At the conclusion of the contest the prizes were awarded as follows:—1st (£15), to Bramlev; 2nd (£8) Dewsbury; 3rd (£5), Chesterfield; 4th (£3), Kirkburton; and 5th (£l), to the Lincoln City band. 11 July 1859 Gala + Band Contest - Recreation Ground, Chesterfield 18 July 1859 Gala + Band Contest - Aston Park, Birmingham THE BRASS BAND CONTEST AT ASTON A fete of a character hitherto peculiar to Yorkshire and the northern counties was given in Aston Park yesterday afternoon. Many of the towns in that district possess excellent instrumental bands, mostly recruited from, and indeed connected with, the great woollen, cotton, and iron-making manufactories; and for the last two or three years a couple of speculative gentlemen, Mr. Alderson, of Hull, and Mr, Warhurst, of Sheffield, have got up competitive trials of skill amongst the various northern bands. Coming further south, they organised a contest at Wolverhampton a few months ago, but with indifferent success, the modern Orpheus, whoever he may be, having no influence over the weather. Yesterday, Aston Park was the scone of one of these musical festivals., The afternoon was as gloriously sunshiny a one as could be desired for the purpose, and was all the more enjoyable from the gathering not being such a monster as at the great fete a few weeks back. Though Messrs. Alderson and Warhurst had provided a balloon ascent, fireworks, and other attractions to supplement the great novelty of the day, not more than eleven or twelve thousand persons were present, and many of these being admitted at a low charge, the speculation has probably not been a very remunerative one. However this affect the entrepreneurs in chief, the Aston Hall Company will reap a little profit by the transaction. The prizes offered were twelve in number; first, £12, and a silver medal to each member of the band; Second, £10; third, £7; fourth, £4; and fifth, £2. Each band had to pay half-a-guinea entrance money, and competitors were conveyed free to and from Birmingham, Twenty-two bands had entered the lists, but from various causes the number appearing was only eleven, These were: Millward's (Sheffield) band, leader Mr. Millward Wellington Newtown band, leader Mr. Ingleden Attercliffe band, leader Mr. 'Turner Bramley band, leader Mr. Jackson Holmfirth band, leader Mr. Moseley Ecclesfield band, leader Mr. Canwood ThurIston band, leader Mr. Hinchcliffe Goldshill band, leader Mr. Smith Oldbury Euphonic band, leader Mr. Wills Wednesbury band, leader Mr. Stevenson and another whose name we did not obtain. It will be seen that with the exception of three, Wednesbury, Goldshill (West Bromwich), and Oldbury, all the competing bands were from Yorkshire and the North. Each had to play two pieces of its own selection, and the ballot settled the order in which they proceeded. The judges, Mr Tuckwell, bandmaster of the 5th Dragoon Guards, and Mr, Pappe, bandmaster of the 22nd Infantry, were in a tent close to the orchestra and knowing nothing of the order in which the particular bands played, had simply to distinguish them by number. The result of the competition, which seemed to be fairly conducted, was that the first prize was given to the Holmfirth band, the second to that from Wellington (which is connected with Sir Peter Fairburn's Works), the third to Bramley, the fourth to Goldshill, and the fifth to Millwards's. The Holmfirth instrumentalists played with all the delicacy and correctness of a well trained military band, the bass being especially fine; but others, Wednestrury for instance, fell far short of excellence, some of-;the players not knowing the scales of their instruments, In the course of the afternoon all the bands combined to play "Rule Britannia" and "God Save the Queen" and the effect was good, though not particularly striking. There was dancing on the platform during the evening, and Captain Hall's balloon accent was a very beautiful one. He went in the direction of Tamworth, We did not stay to see the fireworks. 15 August 1859 Fete + Band Contest - Cricket Ground, Leicester 18 August 1859 Floral Fete + Band Contest - Howden The annual exhibition of the Howdenshire Floral and Horticultural Society was held on Thursday, and was the most successful show the society has ever had. The number of persons attending it was immense, and the town was thronged with visitors during the whole of the day. In connection with the floral exhibition there was a brass band contest, which was a source of great attraction, being the first ever held in Howden. The brass hand contest commenced at half past one, the judges being Mr. Hinchcliffe, of Leeds, and Mr H Deval, of Hull. Seven hands were entered: Hessle, Saltaire, Kirkstall, Hemingbrough, Driffield, Castleford, and Wellington Foundry, Leeds. The Hemingbrough band did not compete. After hearing the six bands play, the judges awarded the prizes as follows: First prize, £10, Saltaire, near Bradford; second, £5, Leeds Wellington Foundry (Sir P. Fairbairn's); third, £3, Kirkstall; fourth, £1, Hessle. At the conclusion of the contest the National Anthem was played by the whole of the bands together. The grounds were crowded until dusk by a very large number of persons, and various games engaged in with energy and spirit. The receipts at the gates were £20 increase on any previous show, and the whole fete was a brilliant and complete success. At least 2,000 persons were present. 22 August 1859 Feast + Band Contest - Barnsley Barnsley annual feast was held on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, and the weather being favourable, the town was visited by thousands of pleasure seekers. The attractions were more than usually numerous. In addition to the races, which have been revived, and which were highly successful, there was also a brass band contest on May-day-green, at which place it had been announced a balloon ascent was to be effected and a number of old English sports to take place. There were also cricket matches between the Barnsley Clarence and the Barnsley Red Rose and other clubs for which bands had been engaged, and as soon as the stumps were drawn, galas took place in the grounds. The shows were also unusually numerous, and such a feast bas not taken place for many years past. The races came off in the High Stile Field. The horses were few in number, but on the whole the sport was very good. The brass band contest came off on Monday evening, in the presence of a large concourse of persons. The bands competing were the Dodsworth, Thorncliffe, and Hemswortb, the Dodsworth receiving the first prize, £3, the Thorncliffe second, and the Hemsworth the third prize; the performances of each giving the greatest satisfaction. 24 August 1859 Gala + Band Contest - Abbey Grounds, Whitby 29 August 1859 South Yorkshire Band Contest - Doncaster SOUTH YORKSHIRE BAND CONTEST - On Monday last our town presented a very gay aspect, all the thoroughfares being crowded with the elite of the surrounding district. The great attraction which caused this fashionable display was the above Band Contest, under the auspices of Messrs. Hopwood and Jackson, of Hull, and excellently well these gentlemen carried out their arduous undertaking. The prizes consisted of "The Doncaster Cup", value £10, and money prizes to the amount of £25. Thirteen bands entered, but only ten came up. The first prize, consisting of the silver cup and £12, was carried off by the Cleckheaton Band; the second, £7, by the Meltham Mills Band; the third, £4, by the Doncaster Railway Foundry Band; the fourth, £2, by the Osset Temperance Band. The judges were H. Farmer, Esq., of Nottingham, the eminent composer; H. Newham, Band Master of the Nottingham Cavalry, and Mr T. Dodgson, Band-Master of the First West Yorkshire Yeomanry Cavalry, and we believe the judges' decision gave great satisfaction to all parties. In the evening, Mr Seaman, of Hull, gave a brilliant display of fireworks, and altogether the day's amusements were highly successful. The refreshment department was under the able management of Mr Bramwith, of the Rein Deer Hotel. Mr Bramwith had the whole of his new and spacious marquees for the reception of his patrons, Messrs. Hopwood and Jackson have a similar contest at Bristol on Monday next. 5 September 1859 Band Contest - Zoological Gardens, Bristol ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS - At these gardens on Monday there was a brass band contest, under the conductorship of that well-known caterer, Mr Enderby Jackson, It was attended by an audience of some 8,000 or 9,000 persons. Seven bands competed for the prizes, which were adjudged by Mr Devine, band master of the 5th Dragoons; Mr Brooke, conductor of the Clifton Amateur Band; and Mr H. Richardson, master of the Great Western Band. They were awarded as follows: 1st prize, £15, the Gloucester Band; 2nd prize, £8, Eushallow Band; 3rd and 4th prizes, Batchelors' Brothers Saxe-Horn Band; 5th prize, £2, Merthyr Tydvil Band; 6th prize, £1, Bilston Band. 17 September 1859 Horticultural Show and Band Contest - Barnard Castle BARNARD CASTLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AND BAND CONTEST - The annual exhibition of this society took place on Saturday last, when the untiring efforts of the managers wore abundantly rewarded by a most successful meeting. The almost incessant rain for several preceding days had caused quite a gloomy sensation amongst the promoters, but about midnight of Friday the wind veered to the north-west and ushered in as bright a morning as could well be desired. The influx of visitors by rail and from Upper Teesdale, in which district every available conveyance had been called into requisition, was very large, nearly four thousand persons having attended the joint entertainment. The band contest, the chief source of attraction, passed off enthusiastically. Eight bands entered and engaged in competition, the prizes being awarded as follows: Stanhope Band, conducted by Mr. R. De Lacy, first prize, £10; Malton and Norton Band, led by Mr. Welford Gibson, second prize, £5; Messrs. Bolckow and Vaughan's Band, Middlesbro', third prize, £3; Stockton Corporation Band, led by Mr. H. Brown, fourth prize, £2. The three last-named are each under the instruction of Mr. Milburn, of Middlesbro'. The Middleton-in-Teesdale Band stood next, and so near was their merit to the fourth prize band that by the recommendation of the judges a fifth prize of £2 was awarded. The two Shildon Bands and the Tees-side Iron Works Band, Middlesboro' were the unsuccessful competitors. The gentlemen who officiated as judges were T. Fender, Esq., ot the 2nd Light Infantry, York, and E. Hanson, Esq., of the 3rd Light Infantry, Newcastle. The exhibition and performance took place within the ruins of Barnard's ancient castle, which were generously opened for the society's use by Dr. Cust and Miss Harrison. 1860 4 June 1860 Gala + Band Contest - Temple Grounds, Lincoln 25 June 1860 South Yorkshire Band Contest - Doncaster The second South Yorkshire brass band contest took place yesterday (Monday) in the grounds adjoining Nether Hall. The morning was wet, but the afternoon was fine, and great numbers attended. The bands from the neighbourhood of Leeds were the Leeds Spanish Leather Works, Ingledew's (Leeds), Cleckheaton, Bramley, Bradford, Dewsbury, &c. Of the seventeen entered fourteen competed. The contest lasted several hours, and the respective bands were loudly cheered. It was arranged that the Mayor of Doncaster (John Hatfield, Esq.) should present the cup subscribed for by the inhabitants to the best band; and that given by the licensed victuallers by Mr. Councillor Milner ; but this arrangement was carried out at so late an hour that we are unable to give the decision of the judges. 25 June 1860 Band Contest - Zoological Gardens, Hull 3 July 1860 Band Contest - Boston 9 July 1860 Band Contest - Cremorne Gardens, Chelsea 10 July 1860 National Brass Band Contest - Crystal Palace, Sydenham CRYSTAL PALACE - GREAT NATIONAL BRASS BAND CONTEST TUESDAY, 10th, and WEDNESDAY, 11th July. Arrangements have been made for a GRAND MONSTER BRASS BAND CONTEST on the above days, in which upwards of ONE HUNDRED BANDS from all parts of England are engaged to take part, comprising in all TWO THOUSAND BRASS INSTRDMENT PERFORMERS. Valuable Prizes, in Money and Cups, will be given by the Company; and, in addition, the principal Music's' instrument 3fakers In London have signified their intention to present several first-class instruments as special prizes. The Contest will commence each day at, Ten o'clock, and on both days the whole of the Bands will meet at Three o'clock precisely in the Handel Orchestra, and perform Mendelssohn's "Wedding March", Haydn's Chorus, "The Heavens are Telling", Handels "Hallelujah", "Rule Britannia," and "God Save the queen." A Monster Gong Drum, seven feet in diameter, manufactured expressly for the occasion, will accompany the combined bands. Admission, Tuesday, Half-a-Crown; Wednesday, One Shilling. NOTICE.—Excursion Trains will run from all principal towns on the Great Western, Midland, London and North Western, Great Northern, South Western, and other railways; for full particulars of which see the Companies' advertisements and bills. CRYSTAL PALACE - BRASS BAND CONTEST - In accordance with Regulation No. 5 the Leaders of the Brass Bands entered for this great Contest are instructed to attend at Exeter hall on MONDAY next, July 9, at 7 o'clock in the evening, to DRAW LOTS for CHOICE of PLATFORMS (which will be eight in number, situate in various parts of the Crystal Palace grounds), during the two days' contest. At this meeting Orchestra Tickets, including admission to the Palace, and railway passes, will be issued. On account of the unprecedented number of performers (nearly two thousand in number) who will be assembled together, and will be sufficient to entirely fill the Great Handel Orchestra, where each desk and performer will be numbered, no bands can be admitted to the Orchestra or Palace unless strictly conforming to the above regulation.—By order, ENDERBY JACKSON, Manager. THE BRASS BAND CONTEST AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Competition seems to be the order of the day. It was only on Monday that the prizes of the first national "tir" in England were distributed in the presence of an immense concourse of persons at the Crystal Palace, and on Tuesday a considerable number of persons assembled In the same pleasant locality to participate in the first great national contest between the brass hands of the country. It has not been uncommon in the provinces to have occasional and partial contests of this kind, but this is the first occasion on which anything like a general and national display has taken place. From ten o'clock a.m. no less than forty-four bands of brass instruments, divided into six compart¬ments, performed in succession, before appointed judges, on platforms erected in various parts of the building. At three o'clock the members of these forty-four bands assembled to ether in the Handel Orchestra, and played the following selection: "Rule Britannia."; "Hallelujah", Handel, "Wedding March", Mendelssohn, "The Heaven's are telling" Haydn, "God Save the Queen" The effect of the combined legions of "blowers" (upwards of 1,200 strong) was tremendous. The organ, which accompanied them, and which on less exceptional occasions is apt to drown everything, was scarcely audible in the midst of the brazen tempest. Nothing less than the new "monster gong-drum," manufactured by Mr. Henry Distin - to wield the thunder of which required the united efforts of Messrs. Charles Thompson (of the Crystal Palace Band) and Middleditch (of the London Rifle Brigade)—could prevail against it. The pieces that pleased the most—perhaps because the best executed—were Mendelssohn's Wedding March and the National Anthem, both of which were unanimously encored. The whole performance was conducted, with wonderful vigour and precision, by Mr. Enderby Jackson, of Hull. After this colossal display, twelve bands, selected by the judges as the most worthy to contend for the prizes, out of the forty-four who bad bean beard in the morning (two from each platform), appeared In the Handel Orchestra, and alternately exhibited their strength. The Saltaire Band (maintained by Mr. Titus Salt, of Bradford, conductor, Mr. Richard Smith) played a selection from Lucrecia Borgia, the Cyfarthfa Band (supported by Mr. Crawshay, and from the ranks of which the late Jullien obtained Mr. Hughes, the celebrated ophicleide, and other excellent performers - conductor, Mr. R. Livesey) played a selection from Balfe's opera of The Bondman; the Deighton Mills Band (conduc¬tor, Mr. P. Robinson), a selection from Ernani; the Witney Band (conductor, Mr. J. Crawford), a selection from the Trovatore; the Stanhope Band (from the wilds of Cumberland, where they hear no music but their own - conductor, Mr. R. de Lacy), a selection from Preciosa; the Chesterfield Band (in the costume of the Chesterfield Rifles regiment of Sir Joseph Paxton - conductor, Mr. H. Slack) a selection from the Trovatore; the Stalybridge Band (conductor, Mr. J. Melling) the overture to Guillaume Tell; the Dewsbury Band (conductor, Mr. J. Peel) a selection from Preciosa; the Black-dyke Mills band (a subscription band, supported hy the wealthy proprietor of the mills—conductor, Mr. S. Longbottorn) a selection from Preciosa; the Ackrington Band (conductor, Mr. R. Barnes) the overture to Verdi's Nabucco); the Holmfirth Temperance Band (nurtured among the hills which separate Lancashire from Yorkshire - con¬ductor, Mr. W. Roberts), selection from the Trovatore; and the Darlington Sax-horn Band (generally known as the Catholic band, and which plays sacred music exclusively - conductor, Mr. H. Hogett) the "Kyrie" and "Gloria," from Haydn's Mass, No. 2. All these various performances betrayed a more or less de¬gree of merit, and were listened to with genuine pleasure. At eight o'clock the judges having fully deliberated, they pronounced the following decision: First prize, consisting of £40 in money, together with a splendid cup for the bandmaster, and a magnificent Champion centre bass in E flat, value 35 guineas, presented by Mr. H. Distin, to the Black Dyke Mills band. This is a private band, maintained, we understand, at the expense of Messrs. .J. Foster and Sons. Second prize, £25 to the Saltaire band, also a private band. Third prize, £15, to the Cyfarthfa (Welsh) band, maintained by Messrs. Crawshay, the large ironmasters. Fourth prize, £10, to the Darlington Sax Horn band. Fifth prize, £5, to the Dewsbury band. At three o'clock all the bands assembled in the Handel orchestra, and performed the following pieces: Rule Britannia; the Hallelujah Chorus, from Handel; Wedding March, from Mendelssohn; Haydn's chorus, "Heavens are telling" and "God save the Queen". The united bands were conducted by Mr. Enderby Jackson, of Hull, to whose activity and skill the success of the entire proceeding as a musical display is mainly to be attributed, As has been already observed, there was a very fair attendance on the part of the public, but not to the extent which might have been supposed on so novel an occasion. The coldness of the day and its threatening aspect no doubt kept many away who would otherwise have been present. As the contest, however, is to be continued this day, and the successful bands (with the exception of the Saltaire) are entitled to contend for the additional prizes, and as it is moreover to be a shilling day, greater numbers will avail themselves of the opportunity to be present at so interesting and so original a competition. 10 July 1860 National Brass Band Contest - Crystal Palace, Sydenham The grand contest of the brass bands, announced for several weeks past to take place at the Crystal Palace, attracted nearly 7,000 persons, although the entrance fee was half-a-crown. The origin of these contests must be referred to Mr. Enderby Jackson, of Hull, a gentleman who has been for many years the most strenuous promoter of music as a recreation among the middle classes in the north of England. Some twelve or fifteen years since, when Mr. Jackson discovered that brass bands were formed by the workmen in the various large manufactories in almost every district of the North, he founded these contests, which were held at different periods in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and several minor towns. So great was the success of these musical gatherings, that the idea of holding a gigantic meeting in the metropolis was the natural consequence, and an application to the directors of the Crystal Palace to allow a monster concert to be held there was forthwith acceded to. It was then resolved that a competition should take place among all the brass bands who chose to enter the lists, and that prizes should be awarded. Immediately ninety-nine bands sent in their application to be placed on the roll, and subsequently others were added, making in the whole one hundred and fifteen, Of course, the greatest share of the excitement arose in the northern counties, as these sent the majority of the bands with whom the contests originated; but other parts of England had their musical representatives, nor was the metropolis without its brazen cohort to do honour in its behalf. Whoever invented brass band contests must have agreed with that worthy into whose mouth Shakespeare puts the sentiment "Silence is only commendable in a neat's tongue dried, and a maid not vendible". And yet it would be a mistake to suppose that these contests are nothing but sound and fury, for, properly conducted, they may be made to afford real pleasure not to the connoisseur alone, but to the unlearned in matters musical. We are apt to associate something national with brass bands, There is a bold and warlike tone about them which stirs up the spirit of the multitude, and hence many persons would enjoy a fine march or a patriotic air played by a band of this description who would be insensible to those delicate refinements of the art which it requires a cultivated taste to appreciate. The directors of the Crystal Palace, therefore, were not wrong in supposing; that a national brass band contest would prove both exciting and attractive; and accordingly they resolved on carrying out the idea in that colossal fashion in which everything here is accomplished. Being the largest concert-room in the world, possessing an orchestra of unparalleled magnitude, end resources which it would be difficult to match, the Crystal Palace was surely the place for a monster contest. The idea once determined on, no means have been neglected for putting it into successful execution, and considerably more than 100 brass bands from all parts of England have responded to the invitation to join in this friendly act of emulation. The fete, which was opened under very cheering auspices yesterday, will be continued today, and altogether it is estimated that in that period no less than 115 brass bands will have shown their prowess and have submitted their abilities to the test of a metropolitan audience. Have our readers any notion of what a brass band contest is? First, we will tell them what it is not, and then we will explain how the present contest has been conducted at the Crystal Palace, which we hope will render the matter tolerably clear. It is not, then, as some ingenious people seem to suppose, the assembling of 50 or 100 bands upon one orchestra, each playing a different air, and the one that played the loudest or the longest receiving the prize. On the contrary, it is a perfectly business-like and skilfully contrived plan, whereby every band in succession goes through a severely critical ordeal, and has its pretensions decided on by a thoroughly competent tribunal, The plan adopted yesterday, and carried out with a punctuality which speaks volumes for the unflagging industry of Mr, Bewley, was this: At ten o'clock the palace and grounds were thrown open, and very speedily both began to fill; but, for a reason which will at once be understood, the lovely grounds were the favourite resort during the early part at the day, In different spots, at convenient distances, and on the most eligible sites, had been erected six substantial platforms. Upon four of these seven bands were appointed to play in succession one piece each, and on the other two eight bands were to play one piece each. To each platform were appointed three judges, whose names are a sufficient guarantee for the honesty, independence, and accuracy of the decisions at which they arrived. This portion of the programme having been accomplished, the whole of the bands assembled, at three o'clock, in the Handel Orchestra, and, under the able conductorship of Mr. Enderby Jackson, played in succession, "Rule Britannia," the "Hallelujah Chorus," Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," Haydn's chorus, "The Heavens are telling," and the "National Anthem," The effect of this performance was stupendous. The English are excessively fond of the chief places, not only in the synagogues, but elsewhere. They like, too, to hear and see everything, and are not often over regardful of their neighbour's comfort, so long as they secure their own, There were only a few reserved seats yesterday, and hence the British sightseer with his (and her) accustomed pertinacity had pressed forward to the front, and had early taken up the most commanding situations, But for once our friend reckoned without his host. The mighty rushing sound of the instruments fell with such fearful force upon his tympanum that he was glad to beat a rapid retreat, and to seek same safer and more sequestered spot. Speaking of the tympanum, by the way, recalls to our recollection a drum of another sort; to wit, that gigantic gong of Mr Distin's, seven feet in diameter, which may be fairly said to have distanced all its rivals. There it stood, propped up in the centre of the orchestra, as much superior to all other drums as the fountains at Versailles are to those in Trafalgar square, whilst two stalwart fellows hammered away at it with drumsticks as big as babies. indeed, so arduous were the exertions of these gentlemen that they had to be relieved in their labours, In return for the blows which were inflicted upon it, the gong gave forth most sonorous sounds, and we venture to say that so much good was never before got out of anything by pommeling. The 44 bands which appeared upon the orchestra numbered probably, about 900 instruments, and, as we have said, the effect was stupendous. That it was all that could be desired in an artistic point of view we will not pretend to say; but the precision which was achieved was really astonishing, and the grand swell of the crescendo passages was very fine. Regarded as a musical performance, we preferred the execution of Haydn's noble chorus "The heavens are telling"; but the suffrages of the audience were in favour of the "Wedding March" and "God save the Queen," which were re-demanded, and given a second time. Whilst these pieces were being played the judges summed up the merits of the various bands, and having selected two from each platform announced the twelve to be - The Dewsbury, leader, Mr. J. Peel; the Cyfartha, conductor, Mr. R. Livesey; the Witney, conductor, Mr. J. Crawford; the Saltaire, conductor, Mr. R. Smith, leader, Mr, W. Turner; the Black Dyke Mills, conductor, Mr. S. Longbottom, leader, Mr, T. Galloway; the Chesterfield, conductor, Mr. Slack; the Accrington, leader, Mr, Barnes; the Holmfirth Temperance, conductor, Mr. W. Roberts; the Stanhope, conductor, Mr. R. De Lacy; the Darlington Sax Horn, conductor, Mr. H. Hoggett; the Staley-bridge, conductor, Mr. J. Melling; and the Deighton, leader, Mr, P. Robinson. The eighteen judges then formed themselves into one body, and the twelve selected brands ascended the orchestra in rotation and played one piece each. This afforded the final test, The whole of the judges thereupon consulted, and at length announced the victorious bands in the following order: First. Prize £40 in money, together with a splendid silver cup for the bandmaster. Also a magnificent champion contrabass in E flat, value 35 guineas, presented by Mr. Henry Distin, 9, Great Newport-street, St. Martin's-lane, London - to the Black Dyke Band. Second prize £25 in money - to the Saltaire. Third prize - £15 in money - to the Cyfartha. Fourth prize - £10 in money - to the Darlington. Fifth prize - £5 in money - to the Dewsbury. Today the contest will be brought to a conclusion, and in the evening the presentation of the prizes will take place. Seven prizes will be awarded today in, addition to the five contested for yesterday, and it is anticipated that upwards of 70 bands will engage in the struggle. 11 July 1860 National Brass Band Contest - Crystal Palace, Sydenham 4 August 1860 Band Contest - Peel Park, Bradford A contest of brass bands took place in Peel Park, Bradford, on Saturday afternoon last. The day was fine, with the exception of a very high wind which prevailed during the greater part of the performance, and the assemblage of spectators was large, there being a great number of strangers present from the various neighbouring towns. There were two sets of prizes for competition, of equal value, the whole amounting to £60, and the arrangement was that each band should play one piece in competition for each series of prizes. There were eleven entries. The following are the bands which competed, the order in which they played, and the pieces which each played for the first sot of prizes: 1. Farnley Temperance Band, selections from "Martha"; 2. Dewsbury Band, selections from "Preciosa"; 3. Bowling Band, a selection from "Il Trovatore"; 4. Baildon Band, a selection from "Lucia di Lammermoor"; Wike Independent Band, a selection from "La Traviata"; 6. Dodworth Band, "Cavatina" with variations; 7. Heckmondwike Band, a selection from " Lucrezia Borgia"; 8. Keighley (Mariner's) Band, selections from "IlTrovatore"; 9. Scott's Operatic Band, grand selection from "II Trovatore"; 10. Cleckheaton Band, selections from "Lucrezia Borgia"; 11. Brighouse Band, selections from "Lucrezia Borgia". The bands then assembled, and altogether, to the number of about 200, under the conductorship of Mr. J. W. Dodworth, performed "Rule Britannia," which had a grand effect, and was loudly applauded by the large concourse of spectators. The competition for the second series of prizes next commenced, and the following is the order of playing, with the pieces played by each band: 1. Bowling Band, "Hallelujah Chorus"; 2. Cleckheaton Band, "Maritana"; 3. Wyke (Independent) Band, a selection from "Lucretia Borgia"; 4. Scott's Operatic Band, selection from "Ernani"; 5. Baildon Band, selection from "La Sonnambula"; 6. Keighley (Mariner's) Band, selection from "Lucrezia Borgia"; 7. Farnley (Temperance) Band, selections from "Lucrezia Borgia"; 8, Heckmondwike Band, a selection from "Ernani"; 9. Dodworth Band, overture, "Italiana et Algeria"; 10. Brighouse Band, "Hallelujah Chorus"; 11. Dewsbury Band, selections from "Ernani." The bands again assembled, and, under the leadership of Mr. J. W. Dodworth, performed "The National Anthem," which was loudly applauded, as were also the various pieces played by the several bands. The judges (G. A. Wielopolski Phillipps, of Liverpool ; G. A. Rungeling, of Liverpool ; and Francis Cottier) then came forward to the platform, and delivered to the Secretary, Mr. F. Tula), their decisions, which were as follow :— FIRST PART 2. Heckmondwike Band £12 3. Dewsbury Baud £8 4. Dodworth £5 5. Cleckheaton £3 1. Keighley (Mariner's) £2 FIRST PART 1. Dewsbury Baud £12 2. Baildon £8 3. Cleckheaton £5 4. Keighley (Mariner's) £3 5. Heckmondwike Band £2 The announcement of the prizes was received with loud cheers. The immense crowd then quietly dispersed. Great credit is due to the committee for the excellent arrangements which they had instituted, and which were carried out in their entirety. The whole of the bands were listened to with the greatest attention, and the whole proceedings were marked throughout by the most perfect order and the greatest regularity. We understand the committee have it in contemplation to have another contest in the course of a week or two. 20 August 1860 Band Contest - Beechfield Cricket Ground, Sheffield Road, Barnsley On Monday last, a brass band contest took place at the Beechfield cricket ground, Sheffield-road. There were nearly 7,000 persons present. The amount of money given was £22, together with two silver cups, one of them being for the best band that never won a prize. The judge was Herr Brosang, bandmaster of the 84th; Mr. Henry Hopwood, of Hull, being referee. Each of the bands played two pieces. The admirable playing of the successful bands evidently gratified the large audience. The contest was divided into two parts, between which the bands combined and played the national anthem and "Rule Britannia" with great effect and in good time. All the bands having played their several pieces, considerable excitement prevailed as to the judge's decision. Before the award was made, so nicely balanced appeared to be the claims of the Heckmondwike and Doncaster bands that they were requested by the judge to play one of their pieces over again. This was done, and the judge's decision was then given as follows: First prize, £10, and silver cup, Heckmondwike band; second, £6, Doncaster Rifle band; third, £3, Gawthorpe Britannia band; fourth, £2, Gawthorpe Temperance band; fifth, £1, Conisbro' band. The special prize of a silver cup for the best band that never won a prize was awarded to the Gawthorpe Britannia band, the Doncaster band being disqualified from competing for it, having previously won several prizes. 20 August 1860 Band Contest - Cricket Ground, Leicester On Monday week a brass band contest took place in the cricket ground, at Leicester, at which an immense concourse of people were present. The following bands entered :—Nuneaton, Melbourne, Melton Mowbray, Chesterfield, Midland Railway, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Burton-upon-Trent, Bradgate, Leicester, Calverton. The judges were H. Money, Esq., band master, 5th Lancers; T. Weston, Esq., Leicester; and H. Farmer, Esq., of Nottingham, and the following is their awards: Chesterfield, 1st prize, £12, Bradgate, 2nd, £8, Sutton-in-Ashfield, 3rd, £5, Derby Midland Railway band, 4th, £3, Burton-upon-Trent band, 5th, £2 20 August 1860 Floral Fete - Malton MALTON AND DISTRICT GRAND FLORAL FETE - On Tuesday last, the annual exhibition of this society under the presidency of the Right Hon. Lord Feversham and other distinguished patronage, took place in the Lodge grounds, the residence of W. C. Copperthwaite, Esq. At one o'clock the children of the Sabbath schools assembled in the Market-place, and preceded by the Drum and Fife Band, went to the gala grounds. Shortly afterwards the members of the 1st North York Rifles, headed by their band, proceeded to the same place. It had been announced that there would be a band contest in the afternoon, but owing to several bands not having entered until too late no contest took place. The band of the 1st North York Rifles, that of the Driffield Rifles, and the Malton United Brass Band played in rotation select pieces of music. The attraction of the day was a balloon ascent by Mr. Coxwoll. At seven o'clock the balloon "Man" began its trial flight, and shot up almost perpendicularly for nearly three quarters of a mile, then took an easterly direction, and eventually arrived safe at Sherburn, near Scarbro', and about fourteen miles from Malton. 27 August 1860 Gala + Band Contest - Botanical Gardens, Sheffield 28 August 1860 Horticultural Show and Band Contest - Eastmoor, Wakefield EASTMOOR FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - The ninth animal exhibition of the above society was held on Tuesday, in the Cricket-field, adjoining the borough market. The attendance of visitors was tolerably good, and the weather during the earlier part of the afternoon was fine, but about four o'clock the sky became overcast, and shortly afterwards the rain came down in torrents, which continued for a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes. An additional attraction in the shape of a brass band contest had been announced, but only four bands entered - the Gawthorpe brass band, leader Mr. Blackburn, which played selections from " Ernani" and "Martha"; the Wakefield Rifle Corps brass band, leader Mr. Wyun, which played selections from "La Traviata" and "Martha"; the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum brass band, leader Mr. Lofthouse, which played an overture from "Stradella" and another from the "Zauberflote"; and the Wakefield Forester's brass hand, known as Holmes' band, leader, Mr. Clegg, which played the "Hallelujah Chorus" and a selection from the duett "La Maseandria". The Rifle Corps band and the Asylum hand were required to play over again, the number of points obtained by each being equal. The Rifle band repeated the selection from "La Traviata" and the Asylum band gave an overture from "Tancredi" the first-named being the victor. The first prize was an instrument, value £8, with £8 added; the second, £6; the third £2; and the fourth, £1, the bands obtaining prizes in the order in which they stand above, The judges for the band contest were Mr. Peel, leader of the Dewsbury brass band, and Mr. Bowling, professor of music, Leeds. The whole four bands afterwards united in playing Rule Britannia and God Save the Queen, under the leadership of Mr. Wainwright, which they accomplished in fine style. 29 August 1860 Gala + Band Contest - Abbey Grounds, Whitby 1 September 1860 Grand Double Brass Band Contest - Peel Park, Bradford 3 September 1860 Band Contest - Belle Vue, Manchester A contest took place at Belle Vue Gardens, Manchester, on Monday last. The following five bands competed: Sherwood Rangers (Yeomanry); Newark, conductor Wm. Lilly; Dewsbury, John Peel; Halifax (Volunteer Rifles), J. Dewhurst; .Albion (Heckmondwike, near Leeds); Deighton (near Huddersfield), Philip Robinson. The judges made the following award of the prizes; 1st, Halifax, £35; 2nd, Dewsbury, £15; 3rd, Sherwood Rangers, £10; 4th, Albion, £5; 5th, Deighton, £2. 3 September 1860 Fete + Band Contest - Worcester The annual regatta fetes at Worcester came off on the Severn on Monday afternoon, and the weather being fine the sports were witnessed by large numbers of people from all parts. A brass band contest also came off, in which the Pershore Rifle Band was declared the victor. 10 September 1860 Band Contest - Cricket Ground, Linthorpe Road, Middlesborough On Monday last, a brass band contest took place on the cricket ground, Linthorpe road, Middlesbro'. There were several bands entered - among them Bradford, Heckmondwike, Darlington Sax Horn, MaIton, Stanhope, and others, The contest lasted nearly the whole day, and at the conclusion the judges awarded the first prize, £12, to Bradford; the 2nd, £10, to Darlington; the third, £6, to Stanhope; and the fourth to the Hartlepool Artillery band, 10 September 1860 Gala + Band Contest - Nottingham 1861 4 March 1861 Band Contest - Town Hall, Greenock GREENOCK COMPETITION - The rifle band competition, for prizes of £10 and £6, took place in the Town Hall on Monday right, and was listened to with much interest by a large and appreciative audience. A. temporary platform was erected on the top of the ordinary one, and on this elevation each of the three bands—the 7th Stirlingshire Rifles (Lennoxtown), the 4th Ayrshire Rifle Band (Largs), and the band of the Greenock Rifles - played select pieces of music alternately. Mr, Smalley, bandmaster of the 78th Highlanders, acted as umpire, and at the close awarded the first prize to the Largs band for the manner in which they played the "Trovatore" music, but in no other part of the programme were they so effective, showing that on this they had bestowed very special attention. The Greenock band received the second prize. They displayed not so much special as general efficiency, and in the legitimate role-a military hand, without any special conducting - acquitted themselves admirably. The Lennoxtown showed some excellent air playing, and, in the opinion of many connoisseurs present, were decidedly the favourite musicians. Altogether the programme was gone through in a most creditable manner. Let those who have gained, however, look well to their laurels, for there will probably be a return match, and this time on the score of general rather than particular merit. To further this purpose each band should get their music from the umpire a fortnight or three weeks before the concert, and this would more fairly bring out the ability and capability of each band. 1 July 1861 Band Contest - Shrewsbury 1 July 1861 Band Contest - Zoological Gardens, Liverpool VOLUNTEER BAND CONTEST - Yesterday afternoon a band contest took place in the Zooloplcal Gardems in connection with a gala held there for the benefit of the Liverpool United Friendly Tontine Societies. Unfortunately the weather was most unfavourable, rain heavily throughout the afternoon and evening; the attendance consequently, was but limited compared with what it would have been had the day been fine, The competition was restricted to the bands of the various rifle and artillery corps of Liverpool. It had been anticipated that the prizes would bring out a large body of competitors; indeed, it was publicly announced that 300 performers would be present. The number in attendance yesterday, however, fell far short of 300, only seven bands entering the lists for the prizes offered - a handsome silver cup of the value of ten guineas, furnished from the establishment of Mr. Meyer, Lord street, and £3 in money for the second best band. The motive which prompted the societies in question to offer these prizes will be at once apparent, and therefore little need be said about that. They had in view no doubt the double purpose of obtaining an addition to their funds by the speculation and furnishing an extra treat to the members and friends who were expected to assemble in large numbers on the occasion. But it may last be mentioned here that it is a matter of regret that contests of this description are not got up oftener, and that prizes on a more liberal scale and also more numerous have not been presented at other hands. Some of our volunteer bands are composed entirely of young musicians, many of whom were altogether ignorant of the art until they joined the service, and these contests would form a powerful incentive to them in gaining that knowledge of their instruments and of the science in general which is so necessary to make them really efficient performers. The competition was delayed for some time yesterday, in consequence of one or two little disputes respecting some of the Intending competitors being eligible and the unpropitious state of the weather, and the proceedings were not commenced until nearly five o'clock. The judges appointed were Mr. Wright, of Knutsford, Cheshire (bandmaster of the Earl of Chester's Yeomanry Cavalry), and Mr. Squire Greenwood and Mr. G. A. Phillips, of Liverpool. The Order in which the bands played, and the compositions they performed, were as follows: 17th L.A.V. 13 performers. Mr. W. H. Longden bandmaster who was also the leader. — Quick March, " Heck Von' Daohetein," and "La Chateau Mormanx POlks."—The majority Of this band are very young Men, and their playing did not betoken a long acquaintance with "the art divine." The first piece they performed was the marsh, in the cornmenoemout of which there was every nudifferent attempt at an effective ereecerulo. The instruments generally were out of tune, the tenors and basses especially, and the leading cornet was near half a tone flat in some passages. The hand wore not happy in their selection either, "Hook Von Daobstein" being a poor. .,Pricitiotion. • They' wore not much. more successful in "La Chateau Morceaux. Polka," though it was played in better • time and tam than the first-framed please ' 111th L.R.V. 13 performers. Bandmaster and leader,_ Mr. Henry, Moore.—Quickstep from the' opera of " Tnaviatan end a quits W quieter well known airs sung by the Christy's Minstrels.—This band is composed of mere boys, who have only been in the service about eleven months, and as none of them had. any knoWledge of music when they joined, great allowance must be made fn their we. In the Christy's .Minstrelst quiekstep they were not nicely together, and the baritones were aridly out of tone in some parts. But the quickstep or selection from " Treviata" was a moat decided improvement upon their first essay, being well in tune and correct as to time; Indeed, looking at theehareoter of the music —not by any means of a simple style—it was rather astonishing to find comparative novices in music displaying such an appreciation of sot:Jessie &composer. The manner in which they acquitted themselves in the second section of their performance did them and their instructor infinite credit. We shall not be far wrong In saying that, if they exercise diligence and perseverance, they will seem be enabled to take a meat respectable petition as instrumentalist's. 1st comp of 1st b Bandmaster, • L.B.V., 19 per- formers. Mr. J. B. Cooper ; leader, -Mr. J Broadhurst.--Slow march, "Pear/ of Italy'," by M. Marie, bandmaster of the national guard of Paris, and a selection from thetrat act of the opera of ' .Ltterezia Borgia," arranged by Mr.• Broadhurst. —This was doubtless the best band upon the ground, whether as rarils its general ooneterration or the ability and reslinenueloiandike taste of its members. Their first piece, oommencing with a very beautiful adagio, replete with fine harmony and modulation, and succeeded by an effective encore movement, was admirably rendered, light and shade being imparted to the various passages .with - a skill and . judgment that certainly were not equalled by any other band ' thing part in the contest. Their amend Omen the neotion from "Luorenia Borgia," was also exceed. igly good, and marked by the good taste and die. irument which distingnIehed their first effort. Mr. roadhurat's cornet solos. and Mr. Platt's B dab farionet playing were greatly admired, and the mine mink applies to the other • soloists. Indeed, the Lairs performance of this 'exoelient baud—Mania- ineably showing, as it did, the ability of 'the bindinaterewas listened to with evident satisfaction by he amenably, 9th Twelve performers. Mr. Joseph fonkhouse, bandmaster ; Mr. William Swinnerton, nider.--Selerion from . the opera of "Mantas,,' ad &lotto from the epee* of tiTrovatOra."—The Weir piece was given firat. It is a very nice movement, end tolerably-well arrengM. • Mr. ftwinuorton bayed a petty-cornet solo, but the.aocompanimente sere anything but in tune, the tenors espedilly eing quite wide of .the mark. The 'cote/ante move-sent, however, wag got through fairly. upon the chole, but there wars a slight hitch in passing to •the reel passage. This part was somewhat marred by crescendo upon the chord of the' seventh—which could have had a good effect had it been nicely lone—being given dreadfully flat. The concluding ortion of the piece, however, was capitally doled. Whatever wore the defects in the first, hey were amply atoned for in the second section their display. The selection from "Multana" lid them credit. It was played well throughout, Ind there wan a nearer approach to something eke a. correct interpretation of the . ideas of the aethor. The unison passages particularly *ere brit-lent and spirited. We cannot say much for the arrangement of the selection, though, and should rnagine that it did not come from any master hand. ionic of the most beautiful passages are spoiled by he disjointed, abrupt, mectley.11ke 'manner in which hey are strung together, irrespective of solentifie unmeection. It is but jest to the band to state that :hey laboured under some disadvantage in oonse. pumeet of the contra-bass man not being in attend. ,Lae. 51et L.RV. 16 mfermers. Leader, Mr. James resist.--"Number Three Quadrille," Bt. Claude, and slow march, author's name not known.—The quadrille was the first piece played, but it was not a very happy effort, the want of time and tune being quite apparent. The teat piece was a slight Improve-meet upon the former, awl the instraments were better together. Allowance most alto be made for them performers, as they are principally very young men. They should study the cultivation of the •ear, end pay greeter attention to the effect of piano anti forte than they appear to have done. 12th L.A.V.2 performers. Mr. J. 1). Richard- son, bandmaster and leader.-Qeiok • step, "Toe Persia," by Mr. George Fish, of Mambo-Au, end "The Reigning Beauty Walteeson • by' he pitying of this band in the Tack step was not eaything that could be desired, the basses and tenors being open to the same unfavourable comment as in some of the former instal/area—too flat. 'One or two passages in the piece were -nicely given. The waltzes VW* rendered in a pl_pg manner. 25th -15 performers. hfr. ;Joseph Deaner I eadmeeter and leader.—Seleotione from Joseph and the well known "Charleston nnaadrille,"--The xhibition of skill and taste made by' 'this band' wad certainly of anything but a high order, and they cannot consistently .hie coMnlimetiteff ,tipon the pleasure they afforded theist with "ears musical" amongst the• company. The instruments generally ware fearfully eat of tune, the worst being time B fiat clarionet of the leader, which was not far. off half a tone Hat. We mast also take exception to the arrangement of the music they played, which is 'neither marked by taste nor judt mat. The eope• stecotlen of the band, toe, is any • . but first-late.Pert ape the members are like some of the other per- formers alluded to--bane onlyrecently gained a nnowicdaei of the elementary principlee of music ; it la to he hoped that. this le the ease' tts thece• will be the greater chance of their improving. • The playing of the band of the 25th completed the programme of the musical portion of the day's amusement,. and after, ra short deliberation the; judges called upon the bands of the lab battalion' L.R.V. and that of the. 9th L.A.Y. to play again. The' former played a 'nice mike:Men from -" Lai Favorite," and the latter a selection from "Tree vatore." ,Both were exceedingly well rendered.. After another consultation by the judges,' it' was announced. by Mr. Simpson, the manager of the garden a, that they had awarded the let prize to the' band of the nth L.A.V,. end the second to the-bend of the 1st battalion L.R.Y. Mr. J. B. eloper bad, ..befornthe contest OM.' mencen, lodged a protest Against Barrow, of Dittos, of the band of the 9th L,A.V., being permitted to play oith thorn, on the-ground that, he lived in another county, and more then 15 miles_ from Liver pool, the eondtUons of • the mated being* that sit the compatitora should be bond fide mettibelo of yorattteer bands belonging toliveepool. • . In reference to this protest,. Mia Shaman said there had been some disphte en the point, but in had been shown that liaietw Was on • the books of .the captain of the corps, and the judges-ma.deeitled that it did not Witter wherq he lived n he was 904 to play inthe contest; ,. • ., • e .• • . Mr. Rabb°, chairman of the csommlitee.in domed.: eon with tbetontine, societies, then presented•the cup to the bandmazter of the 9th L.A.V., thanking tie bands seneWisefor their attendance, and hoping that ittat44 r be the last.t.hue they. would noet- fc r a similar purpose.. - . • Ili was subsequently announced that Mani tamed Of; theist. battalion had determined' to present their • prize to, the Wilde of Al* ROTA Ielltanakinen faiik i was a which w received with cheers. whic _ It wee nednotood. that the ,der.dzion as to the award cf the 'ilretT_ilie:Was nu:a:Anima on the Part Of the. Indges, Me: Weight diesisntlegfrom the opinions' of ht ogileegttes.' Alt we shall Say with ramped to, the %wends of the first prize' Id that: it'took eta ere reedy dee present who had the slightest know- Vega of music esempletely by surprise. .The Oedema of appointing twopersona resident' in' rAverpi judgesenty very iWy be.queetfoned. .• the301114satet: the contest snob eiO44; 1n eta tea this weather Perini a:eteasittilPeor hat end 4.11,41vo. of 'the United IraeWly 'Unitive tiatzted by 'a ••••—, 2 July 1861 Club Feast - Chipping Norton CHIPPING NORTON - Tuesday last was the annual festival of the various Benefit Societies held in the town. At an early hour the streets were all astir, and re-echoed with the noise of erecting stalls, photographic booths, &c., whilst at each end and in the centre of the Market place, orchestras were prepared for the respective bands; soon the various sounds incident to a country merry-making filled the air, varied by the inspiriting strains of the different bands, which played lively tunes as they entered the town and marched to their several hostelries. At one o'clock the serious business of the day commenced, and the tables of the respective club houses were loaded with substantial fare, to which ample justice was done after partaking of which, and indulging "in the weed", the various bands took up their stations as follow: The Fifth Oxfordshire (better known as the Witney Amateur Brass Band) were engaged by the Tradesman's Union Benefit Society, and occupied an orchestra at the Blue Boar Inn, the head quarters of that Club; the Third Oxfordshire were stationed at the Fox Inn (the other end of the Market-place), being engaged by the Club meeting at that house; and the Little Compton Band were posted in front of the Unicorn Inn. During the afternoon and evening a large number of persons filled the square, listening to the music of the different bands, in reference to which it is but justice to state that the Fifth Oxfordshire band not only sustained their well-earned reputation, which placed them so high in the Crystal Palace band contest last season, but appeared to us to have improved, so that they may fairly be considered the best amateur band within a large circuit. The Third Oxfordshire and the Little Compton bands also acquitted themselves most creditably. 5 July 1861 Horticultural Show and Band Contest - Northernhay, Exeter The Volunteer Service Band Contest commenced on Thursday afternoon about five o'clock. When we say the the performances were infinitely superior to what had been expected by those unacquainted with the general efficiency of the Rifle Corps Bands we are not paying a very high compliment perhaps to the performers. Little more than a musical clamour was expected. The affair, in fact, was an experiment. But the committee of the society must have been as agreeably surprised as other spectators generally to listen to the excellent style in which the pieces selected were given, and it several instances they were so well given as to elicit the warmest commendation from the judge (Mr. J, Smyth, the well-known conductor of the Royal Artillery Band). The following is a list of the bands engaged: Brass bands: 3rd D,A.V. (Teignmouth), established 1858; 6th D.A.V. (Dart mouth), established September, 1860; 1st D.R.V. (Exeter division), established January, 1860; 1st D.R.V. (Exmouth division), established January, 1860; 4th D.R.V. (Modbury) established June, 1860; 18th D.R.V. (Okehampton), established Sept., 1860; and 27th D.R.V. (Colyton), established January, 1801. Fife and Drum Bands: 1st D.A,V. (Woodbury) ; 2nd D.A.V. (Sidmouth); and 5th D.A.V. (Exeter) In addition to these the bands of the Brixham Artillery, and the Bideford, Tavistock, and Kingsbridge Rifles entered but did not appear. The contest was conducted by the several bands consecutively playing a piece of music of their own selection, and a piece written for them by Mr. Smyth, the order of playing being first determined by ballot. The prizes amounted to £80, viz.: For brass bands: 1st prize, £20, and a silver cup, value £5, for the bandmaster; 2nd, £13; 3rd, £10; 4th, £7. For the drum and fife bands ; 1st prize, £10, and a £3 cup for the band-master; 2nd, £7; and 3rd, £5. These prizes were awarded to the successful competitors on Friday afternoon, after a grand concert in the Castle-yard , which was attended by upwards of 8,000 persons, by the president of the society (Sir J. T. B. Duckworth, Bart, the High Sheriff of Devon.) The appearance of the hon. and gallant bart. on the platform in the uniform of a deputy lieutenant was hailed with loud and general applause. As soon as it had in some degree subsided Sir John explained the way in which it was intended to award the prizes, and called upon Mr. Smyth to state to which of the brass bands he awarded the first prize. Mr. SMITH : No. one band - (Loud cheers) Sir JOHN DUCKWORTH said the applause showed that the assemblage knew very well what was meant by the number; but for the information of those who might not he mentioned that the successful band was the Exeter and South Devon First Volunteer Rifles - (Renewed cheering.) - Now for the second, Mr. Smyth! Mr. SMYTH: Number seven - (Cheers.) Sir JOHN DUCKWORTH: Number seven is the band of the Exmouth company. (Loud applause.) Now, the next! Mr. SMYTH: Number three band has the third. ("Hurrah!" and cheers) Sir JOHN DUCKWORTH: The Sixth Devon Artillery Volunteers, Dartmouth - (Renewed cheers.) Mr. SMITH : Number six has the fourth. Sir JOHN DUCKWORTH: The Modbury band - (Loud applause) - Here you will allow me to remark that I believe in the conditions recently published with regard to the competition it was stated that the committee would not undertake to give four prizes unless there were as many as ten competitors, yet they are so much gratified with what has occurred today, and the high excellence of the competition that has been carried on, that I can announce on their behalf that although there are only seven competitors for these prizes, they are happy to give the whole of the four prizes which they have advertised. (Great cheering.) He added that he was desired to state that four small prizes, raised by private subscription, would he presented to the four best solo performers, to be selected by Mr. Smyth. Mr. SMYTH awarded the prizes as follows:—Number one, B flat cornet, of number one band (Exeter Rifles), Donoghue; number two, B flat cornet, number seven (Exmouth), Turner; number three, Jarvis, of the Dartmouth band; number four, John Cove, of the Modbury band. The prizes were then severally presented to the bandmasters by the High Sheriff, and at the conclusion of the ceremony Sir JOHN addressed the victors. The hon. Bart. said he could not allow the occasion to pass without remarking that it was not merely the ordinary kind of band contest, but was peculiarly marked by the fact that all the bands were those of volunteer corps. Nor could be see so large a number of persons assembled without remembering that they had been brought together not so much by the circumstance that there was a contest of bands, as that the members of those bands were for the most part taken from amongst their own relatives and friends, and wore, as he had said, volunteers. This was a most significant and important consideration, and the day was one of great importance to the volunteers of the county. Ho had read recently, in a speech made by one of the leaders of the movement in London - whether Lord Elcho or not he could not say - that a band for a battalion was a sine qua non. There could be no difference of opinion as to the importance of maintaining the volunteer movement, and be hoped they would think the Horticultural Society had not done ill in giving the bands an opportunity of showing what they could do. (Cheers.) In conclusion, Sir John urged on all the importance of supporting the volunteer movement, complimented the several bands on their performances, remarking that they bad perfectly astonished him, and chewed that whether a volunteer was a member of a band, a rifleman, an artilleryman, or anything else, he undertook his duties con amore. (Enthusiastic applause.) Mr. Smyth was then called forward, and greeted with enthusiastic cheers. The two Exeter bands, accompanied by a number of members of their respective corps, and with the two silver cups carried aloft, then paraded the principal streets of the city, and everywhere received an ovation, It should he added that the silver prize cups were supplied by the Messrs. Ellis, of Exeter. 23 July 1861 National Brass Band Contest - Crystal Palace, Sydenham 18610724 etc… to do 25 July 1861 National Brass Band Contest - Crystal Palace, Sydenham 3 August 1861 Band Contest - Peel Park, Bradford Another of these trials of musical skill, now so popular, took place in Peel Park, Bradford. The money prizes offered by the Park Committee amounted to £50, And a patent silver-mounted cornet, manufactured by Messrs. Townend and Son, of Tyrrel-street, Bradford, was presented by that firm to be contended for on the same occasion. Eleven bands had been registered as competitors, and ten of them appeared on the field of melodic rivalry. These were: No. 1, Dewsbury band - No. 2, Farmley Temperance; No. 3, Deighton; No. 4, Halifax Rifle Corps; No. 5. Bramley Temperance; No. 6, Cleckheaton; No. 7, Dodsworth's (Bradford); No. 8, Batley Operatic; No. 9, Baildon; No. 10, Heckmondwike Albion. In the order in which their names are here given, each band played the overture to "Nebuchadnezzar" (Verdi), after which they performed operatic selections of their own choosing; and at the close of the contest there was a simultaneous and very effective performance by the united bands of "Rule Britannia," the "Hallelujah" chorus from the "Messiah," and "God save the Queen." Mr. Brown, chairman of the Peel Park Committee, in announcing the decisions of the judges, said they were very highly pleased with the whole of the performances, and were sorry that each band could not get a prize. They commended Nos. 7 and 8, namely Dodsworth's (Bradford) and Batley bands, and awarded the prizes as follows: 1st prize (£20) to the Halifax rifle corps band, who also received the patent silver-mounted cornet given by Messrs. Townend and Son. Second prize (£15), Dewsbury band. Third prize (£10), Heckmondwike Albion band. Fourth prize (£5), Baildon band. The report of the awards was received with loud cheers, both on the part of the bands and the audience generally. The judges of the competition were Mr. Green, professor of music, and bandmaster of the Blue Coat Hospital, Liverpool; Mr. Woodhams, bandmaster of the North York rifle corps, Richmond; and Mr. Cottier, bandmaster, Liverpool. The last-named gentleman conducted the performance by the combined bands at the termination of the contest. Several professional musicians pronounced the meeting to be one of the best of the kind they ever attended, and one of them expressed his opinion that the playing was superior to that at the recent brass band contest at the Crystal Palace. The members of the Bradford Rifle Corps assembled in the park the same afternoon, and were engaged in battalion drill, with firing of blank cartridge, during a portion of the time occupied by the musical combat, so that the attention of the visitors was occasionally divided between the two. The weather was unfavourable, and that circumstance caused the attendance to be more limited than it otherwise would have been. 5 August 1861 Band Contest - Northernhay, Exeter The concert and brass band contest on Northernhay, Exteter was as signal a success as that attempted to be held there about six weeks since, in connection with the summer exhibition of the Devon and Exeter Horticultural Society, was a failure. In many respects the two were perfectly antithetical. The fine weather, the crowded assemblage of visitors in both the afternoon and evening—sufficient, we should think, to satisfy the most extravagant expectations of the enterprising gentlemen by whom the concert was "got up "—and the eclat with which the whole passed off, so far at least its the public were concerned; these and many other features in these musical entertainments might be pointed out, if we wished to draw a contrast between these concerts. But we are afraid that such a contrast would only be favourable to the Monday concerts in those things over which neither of the committees of management had the slightest control. Altogether these brass band contests were as inferior to the volunteer band contests at the flower show, as the performances of the best trained of the competitors would be beside any of the respectable street bands, which may be heard any fine summer evening. We do not care to criticise performances where criticism would be nothing more than faultfinding. We do not, however, intend these observations to refer to Distin's concerts, which were passably good, though not, we suspect, what was expected from a ventil horn band which has, somehow or other, acquired what is called "celebrity." But even here we have a right to complain that the published programme was skipped in the morning in such a manner that not one visitor in half a dozen could at any moment depend that the piece being performed was that set down in the list. This is not as it ought to be, If a programme is published at al!, it should be adhered to with something like closeness, except under special circumstances. But in this instance the deviations were not occasional, but positively regular, and several of the pieces were altogether omitted. The programmes in reality were not programmes, but merely printed pieces of paper, the sale of which was little better than obtaining the money of the public under false pretences. The following were the bards entered for the contest. No. 1, Blandford; conductor, R. Eyers; No. 2, 2nd Gloucestershire Volunteer Engineers; leader, U. Richardson; No. 3. Kingsbridge; leader, John Cranch, jun.;No. 4, 2nd (Devonport) Devon Volunteer Rifles; leader, Michael Byrne; No. 5, 3rd (Teignmouth) Devon Volunteer Artillery; leader, T. Tucker; No. 6, Dawlish Rifle Corps; leader, W. Cotton: No. 7, 16th (Yeovil) Somerset Rifles; leader, John Pardy : No. 8 Torquay Volunteer Rifles; leader, Thomas Duke. The judges were - J. Smythe, Esq., B. M. Royal Artillery; Mc'Eleney, B. M. of the Carabineers; Wm. Baly, Esq., organist, Exeter. Final Referee, Mr. Enderby Jackson. The prizes (amounting altogether to nearly £40) were awarded to - First prize to No, 1 band; second, to No. 5 band; third, to No. 6 band; fourth, to No. 2 band; and fifth, to No. 6 band. 12 August 1861 Band Contest - Arboretum, Derby The brass, band contest did not attract so large a number to the Derby Arboretum as was generally anticipated. This may be accounted for partly by the very numerous attractions lately demanding the patronage of the public here, and also by the peculiarity of altering the price of the tickets on the day of the fete from sixpence to a shilling, a custom as inconsistent as it is detrimental to the interest of the caterer. Seventeen bands, mainly from Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire, entered the lists to contest for five prizes, but only twelve went through the trials. The majority of the bands assembled one after the other in the Market-place, and, being started one at a time, played up to the scene of their labours. The day was very hot and the town looked very lively. Having arrived at the gardens, the bands took up their position near the centre of the large green, which was flanked by several large refreshment tents. The judges were Charles Godfrey, jun., Esq., B.M., Scots Fusilier Guards; Henry Nickolson, Esq., B.M., Prince Albert's Own; and W. W. Woodward, Esq , organist; and they discharged their difficult and tiresome duty to the unequivocal satisfaction of the competitors. Seated in a small circular tent, completely shutting them out from seeing what band was playing, the judges made notes as each band performed its selection, and awarded the prizes without being able to say where the successful competitors came from. The contest, which offered nothing worthy of remark, was a prolonged one and was not over till dark. The following is the list of awards and music: 1st, £12 with silver-mounted baton for band-master, Heckmondwike Albion Band; leader, John Parker; conductor, John Brooke; selections from "Lucrezia Borgia" and " Precioso" 2nd, £10, Sixth Derby Volunteer Rifle Corps (Chesterfield); leader, Henry Slack; conductor, T. T. Trimnell; selections from "Guillaume Tell" and "Norma." 3rd, £6, Nottingham Ventil Horn Band; leader, A. Redgate - conductor, J. Carter; selections from "Rigoletto" and "La Somnambula." 4th, £4, Wyke Band; leader, J. Hobson; conductor, J. Crowther; the "Hallelujah Chorus" and a selection from "Zampa." 5th, £2, the Morley (near Leeds) Band; conductor, John Peel; selections from "Ernani" and "Il Trovatore." Several other bands played some of their selections with excellent effect, and amongst others we may mention Lord Vernon's 2nd Derbyshire Rifle Band, the Matlock Volunteer Rifle Band and also the Burton Rifle Volunteer Band, all of which were more or less applauded by the spectators, but they had to succumb in the race for prizes to superior skill. The Leicestershire Militia Band, under Herr F. Ptacek, played a selection of dance and other music for the enjoyment of those who were disposed to join in the pleasures of the dance. 12 August 1861 Band Contest - Lower Arboretum, Ipswich The announcement of a Brass Band Contest to take place in the ground of the Lower Arboretum, Ipswich, in which it was stated eleven amateur bands from different parts of the Eastern Counties had entered the list for prizes, attracted a great deal of attention, and as the weather was beautifully fine, and for other reasons, the day bore somewhat the character of a general holiday, and large numbers of people, probably near 2,000, went to witness the contest. It was stated in the bills and advertisements that a first prize of £12, with a silver mounted baton would be awarded to the band proving itself best in the contest, and that to the second, third, fourth, and fifth, prizes of £10, £6, £2, and £1 respectively would also be awarded. It was further promised that the eleven bands which it was said had entered for the contest, would comprise in all not fewer than 230 performers, and that the bands would be combined after playing the first piece, and perform, in grand orchestra, "National, Volunteer, Artillery, and Rifle Corps March." The bands that were said to be entered for the contest were: Gawthorp Britannia, Flockton, 13th Suffolk Volunteer Rifles (Bury St. Edmund's), 2nd Essex Volunteer Rifles (Ilford), 8th Cambridgeshire Volunteer Rifles (Cambridge), The Order of Druids, and V. A. C. (Hull), Mr. Jackson's Band (Norwich), The 6th Essex Volunteer Rifles (Colchester), The 15th Suffok Rifles (Wrentham), Messrs. Towgood and Evans' band (Sawston), and The 11th Suffolk Volunteer Rifles (Sudbury). The contest was to be under the management of Mr. Enderby Jackson, manager of similar contests at the Crystal Palace. In the evening there was to be a Grand Fete Champetre and dancing in various parts of the ground, the whole to close with a "Magnificent Display of Fireworks" Visitors were to pay one shilling for admittance to the ground with the privilege of remaining till the whole fete was at an end, but if they left after the contest in the afternoon sixpence was to be demanded of them for re-admission in the evening. There were certain suspicions abroad that the affair would not be all that was promised, and those suspicions were not lessened when, at the latter end of the previous week, bills were issued offering the privilege of tickets at half price, if taken by Saturday evening. However, as the time of the entertainment drew nigh, the numbers we have stated repaired to the grounds. Four small bands having previously assembled on the Cornhill, played their way in succession to the Arboretum. On the ground a stand was erected for the performers, arid a small marquee close at hand for the judges, who were stated to be C. Douse, Esq., bandmaster of the Royal Horse Guards Blue : and J. Hanson, Esq., bandmaster of the National Volunteer Rifle Band. After some little delay the band of the Sudbury Rifle Corps, numbering 9, ascended the stand, and performed Verdi's overture to "Nabucco" the piece was executed carefully, and was received with some favour by the audience. Next Messrs. Towgood and Evans's band, from Sawston, Cambridgeshire, numbering also 9 performers, mounted the platform and played a selection from "Trovatore" The Colchester Rifle band, numbering 11, followed, and played a selection from "Stradella" and after them Mr. Jackson's Norwich band, to the number of 11 men, dressed in plain clothes, played the "Hallelujah Chorus" But here the contest came to a stop, for there were no more bands upon the ground. Some signs of dissatisfaction began to manifest themselves, and enquiries were made for the manager. He was found in the judge's marquee, and was described as "Mr. Marren" He had been expressing, in terms which did not quite carry conviction, to several gentlemen who had gained access to him, his mortification that the other bands had disappointed him. To the reporters he offered to produce proofs which would entirely exculpate him from all blame in the matter; for which purpose he proffered an invitation to them to meet him over a bottle of wine at the "Running Buck" Inn, the next morning - an invitation which caused some amusement among those gentlemen, Presently Mr. Mawer made his appearance among the company outside the marquee, and was at once called upon to answer for the failure in his programme, and a crowd was round him in a few minutes. He proceeded again to excuse himself, by saying that the bands had called off at the last minute, and he had received telegrams from two of them that very morning. He was profuse in his expressions of regret, but his statements did not quite give the satisfaction required. After a time he invited the Secretary to the Arboretum Committee and several other gentlemen into the marquee, to look at the letters of which he had spoken, and it was immediately crowded. The letters were produced, somewhat unwisely it appeared, for no stronger proof was needed than those letters that the entertainment was got up by the Manager in entire disregard of good faith to the public. One of the first letters produced was from Bury St. Edmund's, stating that the band would not be able to accede to Mr. Mawer's invitation to join in the contest - that letter was dated August 4, eight days before the contest. Other letters were dated the 5th, 6th, 9th, &c., and all were written in terms clearly proving that they had not previously engaged to attend, as some of them were simply answering in the negative the first invitation that had been given them. The man offered to prove that the bands had, previously engaged to attend, and opened a book, In which certain forms were filled up, of the number of men in each of the bands in question, with the names of the leader, conductor, &c.; but there was no signature, or guarantee whatever, on the part of the bands, to attend; and the production of the book, like that of the letters, was a mere insult to the understanding of those who were asked to inspect them, and proved the affair, beyond doubt, to be a reckless and unprincipled speculation. The bands afterwards played in combination, and again separately, with long intervals between each effort, during which the manager was surrounded in different parts of the ground by a considerable crowd, some of them expressing their indignation at being induced to attend under false pretences, but most of them only giving vent to a little good. humoured banter, from which the man continued to screen himself, by repeating the poor explanations already given. At one moment he became exasperated, when the affair was characterized to his face in rather plain but truthful terms, and he flew at one of his assailants; there seemed for the moment some danger of a disturbance in the grounds, and a suggestion was started by some, of dipping the manager in the lake, but the majority of the company were too respectable to proceed to such an extremity, and the threat was not carried into effect. The band prizes were awarded as follows: - First prize, Mr. Jackson's band; second, the Sudbury hand; third, the Sawston band; and fourth, the Colchester band. In the evening there was a display of fireworks, and it is somewhat surprising, and no slight mark of the good temper of the Ipswich audience, that there was an attendance of probably not less than 5,000 persons. The band which had won the first prize in the afternoon was again present. There is no doubt the whole affair would have been a great success, if all the bands named had attended; but there is no season to believe that half the numbers ever engaged to attend. It is a matter of some regret that the Committee of the Arboretum did not take more pains to ascertain the character of the parties who were thus permitted to come before the public under false pretences. 26 August 1861 Gala + Band Contest - Botanical Gardens, Sheffield A grand contest took place in the Botanical Gardens, Sheffield. There were about 30,000 spectators. Twenty-six bands were entered, but only thirteen competed, viz.: Grange-Moor (Wakefield), Conisbro', Sheffield.Artillery Band, Horsforth, Meltham Mills, Wakefield Rifle Band, Heckmondwike Albion Band, Rotherham Rifle Band, Chesterfield Rifle Band, Wednesbury Rifle Band, Matlock Rifle Band, Dewsbury Rifle Band, and Doncaster Rifle Band. After playing the first time round, several tricks were performed by some malicious persons on the instruments of the Chesterfield band, and through the kindness of a Derbyshire band, one fresh instrument was procured. Despite these obstacles, they played so well that the judges awarded them the 1st prize (£20). The result was received with immense cheering. Heckmondwike Albion Band obtained the 2nd prize, £10; the Rotherham band the 3rd, £5; Dewsbury, the 4th, £3; and Doncaster, the 5th, £2. It is supposed some mistake has been made in the numbers of Rotherham and Dewsbury, and the prize money will be withheld until properly decided. Mr. Higham, of Manchester, gave a cornet to the band that got a prize which had never obtained one of £10, viz., Rotherham. 10 September 1861 Fete + Band Contest - Temple Grounds, Lincoln 2 October 1861 Concert - Longton Market   1862 26 May 1862 Band Contest - Rock Gardens, Scarborough The town of Scarborough appeared in holiday fashion, a large concourse of visitors being present on the occasion of a contest of brass bands. The following bands wore in attendance: Hartlepool, Farnley, Nafferton, Kirkstall, Scarborough, Oulton, Malton, Flockton, Dewsbury, Beverley, Batley, and Pudsey. The contest took place at two o'clock, in the large saloon of the Rock Gardens, in which nearly 4,000 persons were comfortably seated during the afternoon. The music performed consisted chiefly of selections from operas - the exceptions being the Oulton band, who played the Hallelujah chorus in Handel's "Messiah", and the Malton band, who played the two last choruses in the same oratorio. Several of the bands played exceedingly well, the opinion regarding one or two of them being in the minds of some gentlemen present that it is a difficult matter to meet with better bands even in the army. This remark may apply to the Kirkstall, Dewsbury, and Farnley bands, to which the first, second, and third prizes were awarded. The fourth and fifth prizes were taken by the Batley and Malton bands. The judges were Mr. Ernst Hartmann, bandmaster of the 10th Hussars, and Mr. Naylor, organist of the Parish Church and professor of music, Scarborough. A band contest was held at Scarbro', one of the bands entered being the First North York Volunteer band, which is also the band of the second battalion. An order for an inspection of Volunteers at Malton, by Lieut.-Col. Harman, on the day of the contest, was issued, which the band disregarded and proceeded to the contest. For thus absenting themselves the members are suspended until an inquiry shall take place. On the 11th inst. the battalion will be reviewed on Langton Wold. 30 June 1862 Band Contest - Bristol A brass band contest took place at Bristol, in which the band of the Wednesbury Rifle Corps took the first prize, in a field of six. The prize gained consisted of £12 and a silver-mounted baton for the conductor, Mr. S. Cresswell. The playing of the Wednesbury band was pronounced to be first-rate, the first cornet playing being particularly fine. The band, on its return to Wednesbury on Tuesday, was met at the Railway Station by a great number of people, who accompanied them to their meeting house, Mr. Britten's, in Meeting Street, and when they separated for their several homes they were loudly cheered. 14 July 1862 Band Contest - Teddesley Park, Penkridge The Volunteer Fete, which took place at Teddesley Park, was an event to which not only the members of the Stafford and Cannock Rifle Corps, for whose especial benefit the fete was projected, but, many others in the county, have looked forward for some weeks past with very considerable interest, and we are glad to be able to say that it has been a decided success. The feature of the most general interest, perhaps, was the Volunteer Band contest, which attracted the attention of large concourses of persons. This contest was carried on at intervals throughout the afternoon, the prizes offered being £10 and £6. The bands which took part in the competition and the pieces they played were as follows: Cannock - " Overture to the Caliph of Bagdad" and "Hallelujah Chorus"; Langton - selections from the opera of "Cinderella" and "The Stranger"; Lichfield - selection from "Attala" and the overture to "Fra Diavolo"; Stafford Rifle - march, "Retour" (Kaestner) and "L'Orago Galop" (Josef Gung'l); Etruria Artillery - selection from "Lucretia Borgia" and the overture to the "Caliph of Bagdad"; Newcastle Rifle, "Torquato Tasso" (Donizetti) and the overture "Les Fers aux Roses" (Mari). Mr. F. Heidleman, bandmaster of the Royal Dragoons, was the judge. At the conclusion of the competition, Mr. Heidleman decided that the Longton band was entitled to the first prize; but the merits of the Lichfield and Etruria bands were so nicely balanced as to render another performance necessary to decide which was must deserving of the second prize. Accordingly, these bands played again, and then the judge awarded the second prize to the Etruria band. The decisions of the judge were received by the friends of the successful competitors with loud applause. 4 August 1862 Fete + Band Contest - Aston Park, Birmingham Yesterday commenced a two days' contest of brass bands, from almost all parts of England, in the ancient demesne of the Holtes at Aston. The delightful summer weather which has during the past fortnight - several months after date - deigned to smile upon us, put on its sunniest smiles, the sun shone forth with great brilliancy, and all was gay and animated to a degree. It had been announced that the bands intending to compete would muster at the Town Hail at half-past twelve o'clock, to proceed to the Park. This announcement drew forth an immense concourse of people, who lined not only the roadway, but the windows, and in many cases the very house tops, along a considerable portion of the line of route, It was not until almost two o'clock that the first burst of music was heard, and the leading band started. The people waited very good humouredly for the procession, passing time in harmless "chaff"; and at length it appeared. Each band played a selection of music as it passed on its way by New Street, High Street, Dale End, Stafford Street, Aston Street, and Aston Road, to the Park, which was entered by the Sycamore Avenue. The procession was marshaled in a very efficient manner by Mr. W. J. Lawson. The bands were accompanied to the Park by a large body of people who, with those already there, made up an attendance of seine 7,000 or 8,000. On their arrival in the Park, the bands took up their positions in various parts of the grounds, on temporary platforms, and discoursed sweet sounds during the greater part of the day. The company, gaily dressed in the brightest of summer attire, were scattered in all directions over the Park, and some of a quiet contemplative turn of mind sauntered in the Lower Grounds, by the quiet waters of the lakes, or amongst the flowers in the garden, whilst others wandered about in the Exhibition, amongst the curiosities from all parts of the world which are collected there. In the afternoon the competing bands took their places on the orchestras. The number one platform, the judges at which were Mr. H. Farmer and Herr Thomas, in front of the Hall, was occupied by the Farnley Iron Company's Band, numbering twenty-one performers, who, conducted by Mr. Ingledew, gave selections from the "William Tell" of Rossini and the "Torquato Tasso" of Donizetti; the Northampton Amateur Band, eighteen in number, who, conducted by Mr. Ashton, played selections from Verdi's operas of "Trovatore" and "Nabucodonosor"; Stokes Bridge Works Band, which, led by Mr. Bidcliff, performed the overture to Rossini's "Barbiere di Seviglia," and a selection from Haydn's "Creation"; Mariner's Keighley Band, bandmaster, Mr. Mariner, who gave selections from Zampa, by Herrold, and from Verdi's "Attila"; the Wednesbury 34th Staffordshire R. V. Band (18), bandmaster, Mr. Becchy, who gave the overture to "Des Fees Aux Roses" by Maria, and a selection from Verdi's "Nabucodonosor"; and the Heckmondwike Albion Band (19), bandmaster, Mr. Brooke, who played a selection from Weber's "Precioso" and the overture to Verdi's "Nabucodonsor". On No. 2 platform, the presiding judges were Mr. C. Godfrey, sen. bandmaster of the Coldstream Guards, and Mr. T. Martin, late bandmaster of the Fusilier Guards; and the competing bands were the Kirkburton Temperance Band (18), conducted by Mr. Charlesworth, which played the Hallelujah chorus from "The Messiah" and a selection from Verdi's "Ernani"; the Kirkstall Amateur Band (10), conducted by Mr. Jackson, which gave a selection from "Torquato Tasso" and, like the last, one from "Ernani"; the Black Dyke Mills Band (18) which performed under the leadership of Mr. Galloway, a grand selection from Auber's "Masaniello" and the overture to Mozart's beautiful opera of "Zauberflote"; the 20th West York Rifle band (Dewsbury), numbering 18, who, under the leadership of Mr. Peel went through a selection from Weber's "Preciosa" and the overture to Verdi's "Nabucodonosor"; Dodsworth's Bradford Band (18), who, led by Mr. Dodsworth, gave s