The Durham County Brass Band Association Festival of Brass recently took place at East Durham College in Peterlee where 13 bands competed in four sections looking to bag a share of the generous prize money and plethora of individual and section awards that were on offer.

Great day

Association spokesperson Hugh Stephenson told 4BR: "A great day of brass banding was had by all with an auditorium full from the first to the last band listening to varied own choice test pieces.

We were delighted that Egglescliffe School Band competed in their first Association contest in the Youth Section."

High standard

In his pre-results comments, adjudicator David Hirst told the audience that he thought that a number of performances were played to a high standard, with bands showing their appreciation of his positive and constructive remarks.

David was accompanied in the 'box' by Black Dyke soprano player Benjamin Richeton , who is a trainee on the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators Programme. Benjamin has to fulfil six assignments over his two year training period.

Professional display

Although there was only one entrant in the top section with Easington Colliery producing a highly professional display of 'Pageantry' ahead of their Area challenge, there were keenly fought battles elsewhere.

Ferryhill Town took the honours in Section B with a rousing rendition of 'Fire in the Blood' by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, aided by their award winning contribution of principal cornet Andrew Potts, whilst Jayess Newbiggin won Section C with their rendition of 'Music from Kantara' by Kenneth Downie — also helped by the wonderful playing of the peerless Dennis Todd on principal cornet and their sterling tuba section.

A great day of brass banding was had by all with an auditorium full from the first to the last band listening to varied own choice test pieces Association spokesperson, Hugh Stephenson

Results:

Section A:

1. Easington Colliery (Ian Robinson)

Section B:

1. Ferryhill Town (Andrew Hall)
2. North Skelton (Lewis Wilkinson)
3. Durham Miners Association (Stuart Gray)
4. Billingham Silver (Vaughan Evans)
5. Murton Colliery (Richie Wallace)
6. Backworth Colliery (Colin Harris)

Best Principal Cornet: Andrew Potts (Ferryhill Town)
Best Middle Band: Ferryhill Town
Best Percussion: North Skelton

Section C:

1. Jayess Newbiggin (Andy Griffiths)
2. Lanchester (Gareth Sykes)
3. Spennymoor Town (Neil Davies)
4. Craghead (Jack Dodds)
5. Trimdon Concert (Tina Mortimer)

Best Euphonium: Gordon Wright (Lanchester)
Best Trombone Section: Craghead Colliery
Best Cornet: Dennis Todd (Jayess Newbggin)
Best Bass Section: Jayess Newbiggin

Youth Section:

1. Egglescliffe School (Matthew Howarth)