The 2025 contest season began with Whitwell once again taking part in NEMBBA’s annual February contest. This was the band’s first contest back in the 3rd section and we looked forward to performing Jacob de Haan’s "Arkansas" for the first time. 

The band was drawn to play 4th and we stepped on stage at The Post Mill centre excited to test ourselves against a number of established and talented 3 rd section bands.After all eight bands had played, we discovered that we had placed 2nd . Needless to say, the band was delighted! After years out of the 3rd section, we were so happy to receive such positive and constructive feedback from adjudicator Mark Wilkinson and to keep taking silverware back to Whitwell.

Our thanks go to NEMBBA for organising such a well-run contest and congratulations to all the other bands that took part. We’re now back in the band room preparing for Saturday 8th March where will be performing at Bedworth Civic hall for the 2025 Midlands area contest