History of the Contest

The first National 12 Bell Striking Contest was an invitation only competition which took place in Bristol on 31 May 1975. The winning team received the Emlyn Hancock Trophy. It worked so well that it was succeeded the following year by a trip to Leicester, this time with a permanent trophy donated by John Taylor & Co. It has since evolved to become one of the key functions of the annual ringing calendar with entry open to all 12 bell bands, with eliminator rounds held in the spring each year to determine those teams to compete in the final.

It has become a social event with up to 1,000 attendees in some years to enjoy the venue, good bells and excellent ringing, as well as the food, beer tent and other facilities available on the day. Technology developments have further provided the opportunity for the contest to be live streamed in recent years accompanied by commentary and interviews throughout the day organised by Matthew Tosh and his team. While the competition judges for the day always have the final say on the resultant winners and band placing, the adoption of technologies such as Hawkear are now available to assist them with this task.  

The competition has continued to be held every year since the outset, apart from the last two years which were prevented by the Covid pandemic. Of the 45 finals held, Birmingham have been dominant in recent years winning 24 times. They are followed by the College Youths (5), Cambridge (4), St Pauls Cathedral (4), Cumberland Youths (3), Leicester (2), York (2) and Exeter (1).

Many venues have hosted the competition with Guildford last being visited for the final in 1988. Acting as hosts again this year is especially special for the Cathedral as the competition day is one of the events being held to mark the 60th anniversary of the consecration of the building. The Cathedral tenor (largest bell) weighs 30 cwt 1 qr 10 lbs and the bells are tuned to the key of D major. All the bells were cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, who also supplied the frame and fittings. The 10 largest bells were opened in 1965 before being augmented to 12 in 1976.

Three eliminator contests were held on 26 March 2022 at Bury St Edmunds, Chester and London (St Magnus). This resulted in nine teams, plus Guildford Cathedral as hosts, being chosen by the judges to contest the final at Guildford on the 25 June. They are the Ancient Society of College Youths, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Exeter, Ipswich, Melbourne, Oxford and the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths. Many of these competitors are consistent contenders but it is pleasing to see the return of some teams after an absence in recent years.

We look forward to welcoming you all to Guildford in June for what should be an excellent social and ringing occasion.