The famous banding town in West Riding was packed to its rafters on the weekend with brass playing of just about every sort…
Stunning playing
The 12th Brighouse Festival of Brass, organised by the Brighouse Lions, featured 26 bands producing stunning playing in the Town Hall Square that was bathed in glorious sunshine.
The biggest crowd in the contest’s history saw a very close contest with the tiebreaker system playing its part. Visitors from all parts of the UK attended the event plus Heleen and Johann Talman from Friesland in the North of Holland, who played with local favourites Clifton & Lightcliffe.
David Hoyle of BBC Radio Leeds ‘Yorkshire Brass’ was on hand to record the bands and interview personalities throughout the day. This will be transmitted soon on the popular banding programme.
Solo Championship
Saturday morning saw the Brighouse Youth Solo Championships in Bailiff Bridge where a very friendly atmosphere helped to encourage the young people to show their talents.
This event sponsored by Kershaw’s Garden Centre of Brighouse and Brigitte Matthews of Holmfirth saw a very good standard in the three classes.
Results:
11 and Under:
1. Alex Cockburn (Tuba) — Dobcross Youth
2. Hannah Stell (Trombone) — Skelmanthorpe ‘B’
3. Harry Jones (Tenor Horn) — Gawthorpe Brass ’85
14 and Under:
1. John James Vernon (Cornet) — Lions Youth Band Stoke on Trent
2. Bethany Moore (Cornet) — Uppermill & Elland Youth
3. Nathanael Martin — Tewit Youth Band
17 and Under:
1. Michael Cavanagh (Baritone) — Marsden
2. Alex Crisp (Tenor Horn) — Clifton & Lightcliffe
3. John James Vernon (Cornet) — Lions Youth
Adjudicator: David Ashworth (Boarshurst Band Musical Director) praised all the competitors for their efforts, which were rewarded with Certificates of Merit.
The 12th Brighouse Festival of Brass, organised by the Brighouse Lions, featured 26 bands producing stunning playing in the Town Hall Square that was bathed in glorious sunshine4BR
Gala Concert
The Evening Gala Concert in the Central Methodist Church featured the Diggle Band under the leadership of James Shepherd with a programme of popular music that delighted a full house.
Guest Soloist for the evening Chris Jeans, entertained the enthusiastic audience in his varied collection of solos. His ‘DL Blues’ and ‘Stardust’ demonstrated his unique presentation style and his programme was presented in masterly fashion without ‘dots’, a feature appreciated by the audience.
Highlights
He also performed ‘Concert Study’ by Goedeke as well as ‘Cry Me a River’ whilst the Diggle Band was on fine form throughout, the highlight being Philip Varley’s performance of ‘The Nightingale’ and Chris joining the trombone section for ‘Frolic for Trombones’.
March & Hymn Tune Contest
The following day the 12th March and Hymn Tune spectacular drew large crowds for a six-hour feast of brass band music.
March and hymn tune specialists Marsden led by Glyn Williams, just edging out Skelmanthorpe with the tie-breaker system, in a terrific battle for the top honours, with their march performance taking precedence. Hammonds Saltaire claimed third place.
Skelmanthorpe won the principal cornet prize taking the Yamaha “Xeno” Cornet and the Stuart Broadbent Memorial Trophy, whilst Marsden won the Brian Evans Memorial Trophy for best soprano cornet.
Goff Richards tribute
Before the results there was a musical tribute to the late Goff Richards, with Elland Silver playing ‘Demelza’ and ‘Breezin’ Down Broadway’.
Fred Etherington, ‘the voice of Brighouse’ as he is affectionately known, kept the non-stop show moving along well.
The adjudicators were David Hirst, Chris Jeans, David Read and Stan Lippeatt.
Result:
1. Marsden (Glyn Williams)
2. Skelmanthorpe (John Roberts)
3. Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
4. Thoresby Colliery (Leigh Baker)
5. Diggle (James Shepherd)
6. Yorkshire Imperial (David Nesbitt)
Best Principal Cornet: Skelmanthorpe
Best Contest March: Marsden
Best Hymn Tune: Skelmanthorpe
Best Soloist of the Day: Skelmanthorpe (euphonium)
Best Band Road March: Marsden
Best Trombone Section Road March: Hammonds
Best Soprano Cornet: Marsden
Best Hymn Tune Section 4: Thurlstone
Deportment: South Yorkshire Police
Best First Section Band: Hammonds
Best Second Section Band: The Lindley Band (Neil Jowett)
Best Third Section Band: Elland Silver (James Shepherd)
Best Fourth Section Band: Boarshurst (David Ashworth)
Best Youth Band:
1. Elland Youth (Samantha Harrison)
2. Dobcross Youth (James Garlick)
3. Sellers International Youth (Simon Kerwin)
Youth Deportment: Elland Youth
Youngest Player: Luke Newborough (Shirland Welfare Training)
Best Soloist Youth: Elland Youth (cornet)
Thanks to David Horsfield
