Northern Counties announce cancellation of 2026 contest

For the second year running, the Northern Counties Brass Band Association has been forced to cancel this year’s entertainment contest, scheduled for Sunday 24 May at the North Inch Campus, Perth.

However, the brass workshop planned for the day before – Saturday 23 May – at Arbroath High School is still going ahead.

“This decision has not been taken lightly,” said NCBBA secretary Rosie Martin. “Due to a lack of entries and insufficient funds to support the running of the event, it has not been possible to proceed again this year.

“We appreciate that this news will be disappointing to many who were looking forward to the contest, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“We believe this is an important event to focus on and we hope to build it into our wider plans for next year as part of supporting and developing brass banding across the region.”

Looking ahead to 2027, there are some fresh faces on the committee and, as a newly established team, the NCBBA is already looking ahead and exploring a new format for next year’s event.

Rosie added: “Our aim is to create something fresh, sustainable and well supported, helping to secure a successful future for this important occasion. Further details will be shared in due course.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported the Northern Counties Brass Band Association and we greatly appreciate your continued understanding and encouragement.”