An enthusiastic audience thoroughly enjoyed an entertaining day in Ross-on-Wye last weekend, as Abergavenny Borough and Lydbrook Training took the top prizes at the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association Entertainment event.

Youth winners

The hotly contested Youth Training/Unregistered Section was won by Lydbrook Training Band under the baton of Robert Morgan MBE, who received a Gold Award, with their solo horn player Jack Lythaby judged the best soloist for his outstanding performance of ‘Iona’.

In a contest where adjudicator Dr Graham Jones was very impressed with the overall standard Lydney Training were hot on Lydbrook’s heals and also received a Gold Award, whilst Abergavenny Borough Youth and City of Bristol Learners received Silver Awards.

Open Section

Due to four withdrawals, the afternoon saw only six bands take to the stage to compete in the Open Section with Abergavenny Borough winning with a stunning set conducted by Craig Roberts.

Runners up were Ebbw Valley Brass who produced what turned out to be the most entertaining programme of the day.

Dr. Graham Jones reflected on the high standard of playing throughout the contest but stated that in his opinion Abergavenny Borough were clear winners.

Thanks

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The GBBA would like to thank Dr Graham Jones for all the advice and encouragement that he gave to bands and also Ross-on-Wye Town Council and Mayor Councillor David Ravenscroft for their help in supporting the contest."

Once again the contest brought record numbers of spectators to a GBBA hosted Contest and fully vindicated the association’s decision to return to the Larruperz Centre and Ross-on-Wye.

Dr. Graham Jones reflected on the high standard of playing throughout the contest but stated that in his opinion Abergavenny Borough were clear winners4BR

Results:

Section A:

1. Abergavenny Borough — 95pts
2. Ebbw Valley Brass — 93pts
3. Thomas Coaches Mid-Rhondda — 92pts
4. Cinderford — 91pts
5. RAF St Athan — 90pts
6. Cwmbran Brass — 88pts

Highest Placed First Section Band: Abergavenny Borough
Highest Placed Second Section Band: Cinderford
Highest Placed Third Section Band: Thomas Coaches Mid-Rhondda
Highest Placed Fourth Section Band: Ebbw Valley Brass

Most Entertaining Band: Ebbw Valley Brass
Best Soloist: Diane Mogford (Principal Cornet) — Abergavenny Borough

Section B:

1. Lydbrook Training (Gold)
2. Lydney Training (Gold)

Silver Awards:

Abergavenny Borough Youth
City of Bristol Learners

Best Band in Section B: Lydbrook Training
Best Soloist: Jack Lythaby (Horn) — Lydbrook Training

Youngest Player: Oliver Bourne (RAF St Athan)