Developments in Contesting
| 1845 | Band screened from the judge, draw for position of play, drums not allowed, maximum of 12 players, own choice of piece. |  Brighouse Band's signature form Crystal Palace contest, 1860 |
| 1855 | Test piece plus own choice. | |
| 1856 | Test piece only. | |
| 1868 | Names of bandsmen submitted one month before the contest. | |
| 1886 | Initial grading system. | |
| 1889 | No pre-performance of test piece, conductors not allowed to play. | |
| 1893 | Maximum of 24 players, approved adjudicators only, players to be registered with only one band. | |
| 1895 | Two sections | |
| 1900 | Three sections | |
| 1902 | Five sections, Championship section bands in uniform, players must be members of a band for three months minimum. | |
| 1923 | Championship section bands play seated. | |
| 1924 | All bands play seated. | |
| 1946 | Regional qualifying contests, National Register of Brass Bandsmen. | |
| 1973 | Percussion in Championship section | |
| 1976 | Percussion in all sections. |