It has been a quite amazing 12 months for Hazel Grove Band.

Dumps

This time last year they left the Winter Gardens in Blackpool down in the dumps after they had been placed last of 19 bands in the Fourth Section regional contest.

Twelve months on though and they left as champions, after taking the title under conductor Nigel Beasley. The result was the culmination of a year of hard work and progress under the former Fariey baritone star.

I'm so proud of each and everyone of my players. They deserve the success they have had this year after the disappointment of last yearMD, Nigel Beasley

Wins

First they gained 3rd place at the Tameside Festival of Brass (which they return to later this month), followed by wins at the Buxton Festival and at Pontins. In addition they also took four first prizes on the Whit Friday marches.

Now comes that win at Blackpool and a journey to Harrogate in September.

Proud

Nigel commented to 4BR: "I'm so proud of each and everyone of my players. They deserve the success they have had this year after the disappointment of last year. Due to their hard work and a great team effort from everyone involved we are going from strength to strength and with their fantastic spirit we are hoping to add more silverware to our already growing collection. I'm over the moon for them all and they should be very proud of themselves."