The inaugural Brass Band League (NI) Festival of Brass was held in association with The School of Creative Arts at Queen’s University, Belfast recently.

Five year return

This was the first brass band competition to take place in Northern Ireland’s capital city in over five years. The event was enjoyed by the nine competing bands as well as a large audience, in the fine acoustic of the Whitla Hall.

The music adjudicator was the respected conductor Michael Hannan, who later commented on the high standard of playing throughout the day.

Draw

The Championship Section saw a draw on overall points, with the title being awarded to Downshire Brass who were a point ahead of 1st Old Boys Association Silver Band on music adjudication.

A spokesperson for the contest told 4BR: "The Brass Band League would like to thank the staffand students of Queen’s University for their efforts in hosting a very successful event."

Results:

Music Adjudicator: Michael Hannan
Entertainment Adjudicator: Wendi Kane

Championship Section:
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. Downshire Brass: 148/48 = 196
2. 1st Old Boys Association Silver: 147/49 = 146

Best Soloist: Morris Cameron (1st Old Boys)
Best March: Downshire Brass (Castell Coch)

Second Grade:

1. Third Carrickfergus: 142/48 = 190
2. Templemore Silver Band: 139/47 = 186

Best Soloist: Linley Hamilton (Templemore Silver)
Best March: Third Carrickfergus (The Black Knight)

Third Grade:

1. Lourdes Brass: 148/48 = 196
2. CWA Brass: 145/45 = 190
3. Comber Silver: 143/46 = 189

Best Soloist: Ruth Jennings (Comber Silver Band)
Best March: Lourdes Brass (The Medallion)

Fourth Grade:

1. 1st Larne Old Boys Silver: 130/42 = 172

Best Soloist: Celine Clements (1st Larne O.B.)
Best March: 1st Larne O.B. (The New Colonial)

Youth:

1. 1st Old Boys Association Youth: 142/45 = 187

Best Soloist: Nathan Thompson (1st Old Boys)
Best March: 1st Old Boys Youth (Home Again)