The 4th Annual Mayor’s Challenge Entertainment Contest was held on Sunday in Otley with Foden’s star flugel player Helen Williams as adjudicator.

Annual event

The Yorkshire duo of National Third Section qualifiers Emley and Lofthouse 2000 joined Otley Band in this friendly annual event. Each band performed a 30 minute programme to both listen to and observe.

Awards

The Christine Bailey ‘Outstanding Instrumentalist’ prize was won by Lofthouse principal cornet James Whittaker for his eloquent performance of ‘Miss Blue Bonnet, whilst the Mayor’s Challenge Trophy was won by Otley conducted by Gordon Eddison.

Helen commented: "Otley performed a well balanced and well prepared programme, played with style, control and excellent intonation."

We have hosted this contest over the last four years and have come second to some very good bands, so it’s nice that we’ve beaten them at last!Winning MD, Gordon Eddison

Nice

The winning MD Gordon Eddison told 4BR: "We have hosted this contest over the last four years and have come second to some very good bands, so it’s nice that we’ve beaten them at last! We decided that our ‘Yorkshire’ theme for the programme was good even though the adjudicator would wear a rose of a different colour!"

Result:
1. Otley

Joint runner up: Emley and Lofthouse 2000