The 25th annual Kirkby Lonsdale Contest was held on Sunday 17th June, where the crowds enjoyed the music on a warm day as the bands marched down the town’s Main Street to the Market Square, watched carefully by deportment adjudicator John Knewstubb to play their programmes

Clean sweep

Hazel Grove under the direction of Nigel Beazley swept the board in the Third Section, winning the prizes for ‘Best Hymn’ and Best March’ as well as the the prize for the most entertaining programme of the day.

Local favourites Kirkby Lonsdale came second with their solo euphonium player Peter Gratrix winning the ‘Best Soloist’ prize. The deportment prize was awarded to Sale Brass

Overall

Tarleton Band, under the direction of Gillian Bould, enjoyed the day too, winning the Fourth Section title and the overall prize for the highest points in the contest.

They also took home with them the trophies for ‘Best March’ and ‘Best Hymn’. Pilling Jubilee Silver were second with Sale Brass third.

Music adjudicator Alan Fernie praised all the bands for their fine performances, whilst entertainment adjudicator Alan Lawton MBE, described Hazel Grove’s programme as ‘outstanding in its variety’.

Massed

Derek Atkinson kept the proceedings moving with his usual expertise, whilst the event closed with a programme of marches and hymns by the massed bands conducted by John Dickinson of Sale Brass.

Results:

Overall winners (Highest Points): Tarleton (G.Bould)

Third Section:
1. Hazel Grove (N. Beasley)
2. Kirkby Lonsdale (M. Buchanan)

Best Hymn: Hazel Grove
Best March: Hazel Grove

Fourth Section:
1. Tarleton (G. Bould)
2. Pilling Jubilee Silver (J Roberts)
3. Sale Brass (J. Dickinson)

Best Hymn: Tarleton
Best March: Tarleton

Overall Placings:

Band with Highest Points: Tarleton
MD of Winning Band: Gillian Bould
Best Entertainment: Hazel Grove
Best Soloist: Peter Gratrix (Euphonium) — Kirkby Lonsdale
Best Deportment: Sale Brass