Hardraw Scar Contest

Incorporating the Entertainment Contest organised by the Association in conjunction with and at the invitation of the Proprietor of the Green Dragon Inn

The 2008 Contest

The 2008 contest took place despite the horrendous weather that caused any possibility of parking in Hardraw to be abandoned. Not to be discouraged, the organisers laid on a shuttle bus service to and from Hawes and a good audience arrived for a day of highly enjoyable music. Conditions were distinctly damp underfoot which led to some striking footwear being sported by both organisers and bandsmen alike! There was some splendid playing from all sections and the winning bands are to be congratulated.

We have to thank the proprietor of the Green Dragon Inn and our sponsors for enabling the contest to take place. It is a unique venue and an amazing day out. Thanks must also go to our adjudicator Malcolm Brownbill, who claimed to enjoy being shut in a horsebox!! Also thanks go to all those stewards and organisers who helped ensure that the day ran like clockwork - you know who you are!

Small changes to Contest Format for 2009 Contest

The rules for the 2009 contest will be changed as follows: The two sections will remain as they are - i.e. top section for Champ. 1st. and 2nd section bands. lower section for 3rd. 4th. and unregistered/ungraded bands. Addition, An unregistered/ungraded band which wins the lower section for two years running will be required to play in the top section in subsequent years unless there is a genuine reason for not doing so. Any such `reason' is required to be submitted to the Association for deliberation.

Open adjudication will be used.

Performances will be timed. Min. 18 mins, max. 23 mins. Penalty for under or over this time - 1 point for every minute or part thereof.

In 1881 the first annual Brass Band Contest was held in the grounds of the Green Dragon Inn at Hardraw. For a short history of the contest click here. Since 1989 the contest has been organised by the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Bands Association and takes place in what is probably the most spectacular setting for any such event. Brass Bands, ranging from the small village band to the Championship Section, present short concerts throughout the day and are judged both on the standard of their music and on the selection of their concert programme.

Each band’s programme has to contain a march and a hymn tune, and their performance is limited to about 20 minutes each. Occasionally bands may choose to perform the same pieces but the format of this contest means that the audience get to listen to a great range of music in the course of the day. The day is brought to a traditional close with a short concert by the massed bands, after which the awards are presented. For a list of placings and adjudicators click here.

Entry is by programme, which enables the audience to come and go as they wish during the day; bars and catering are readily available and the natural amphitheatre makes a stunning spot to spend a summer Sunday. In any case, it is a wonderful opportunity to listen to brass bands doing what they do best – entertaining an audience!

Over the last 18 years more than a hundred bands have participated in this contest, many of them local, others coming from all over the North of England. For a a list recording them in Chronological order of first entry, together with the number of times they have competed and with any subsequent name changes click here.

On leaving his 'box' at the end of the 2003 contest the adjudicator made the following comments: "I am amazed to see so many people in attendance enjoying this thrilling experience. The setting in this beautiful gorge, surrounded by high cliffs, provides excellent acoustics and all bands did their very best to put on a wonderful show. Long may this unique and glorious event continue".