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.

Last year, 2024, the contest was held on Sunday 16th June.

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

At 1200hrs, Kirkby Lonsdale Brass Band marched from The Sun Hotel, down the main street, into the Square and start off the senior section of the contest, where 10 bands competed. Each band had a 20 minute programme and as they finish, then next band marched down the street and so on. 

The massed bands played a couple of hymns and marches (Voices of the Guns and Colonel Bogey) following the last band that played, with the contest results announced shortly after.

This year. 2025, the contest will be held on Sunday 15th June - further details to follow.