KLBB Contest

Since 1988 the band has organised an open air contest in the Market Square which attracts bands from across the North of England.

Competing bands march a short distance down Main Street from Beck Head and then end up in the Market Square, where they play to an adjudicator and audience.

Bands are marked on their deportment whilst marching - the piece of music they are marching to is not.

In recent years there has been a change from the traditional March, Hymn and Test Piece format to a more entertainment-based programme however most bands still try to include a March and Hymn at least. This approach tends to satisfy most tastes.

Close to the end of the contest, after all the competing bands have played but before the results are announced, the massed bands play Marches and Hymns - conducted by one of the competing band's conductors.

This year, 2024, the contest will be held on Sunday 16th June.

The contest kicks off at 1030hrs with 3 junior/training bands.

At 1200hrs, Kirkby Lonsdale Brass Band will march from Beck Head, down the main street, into the Square and start off the senior section of the contest, where there are 11 bands competing. Each band has a 20 minute programme and as they finish, the next band marches from Beck Head and so on. 

If a band should exceed their introduction and/or programme length they may be penalised.

The massed bands are scheduled between 1740 to 1800hrs with the results following.