Whaley Bridge Learner Band is celebrating its first contest success after the talented youngsters (as ell as a few older heads) claimed first prize in the Training/Learner Band Section at the recent Whiston Festival of Brass.

First contest

The success came on their first ever contest appearance too, and as founder Sheila Walton told 4BR, that certainly made it a day to remember.

"To bring home the trophy made it a day the youngsters and a few older ones will remember for such a long time.

It is only three years since the very first rehearsal of Whaley Bridge Learner Band, so their win is an incredible achievement. The band is open to all learners, not just youngsters, and the players on stage at Whiston ranged from 9 to over 60 years of age!"

To bring home the trophy made it a day the youngsters and a few older ones will remember for such a long timeFounder, Sheila Walton

Novice MD

The success was masterminded by a novice MD too, as the conductor Daniel Sargeant, who is also principal cornet with the senior Whaley Bridge Band is aged just 18!

He added: "Being a young conductor is so exciting and working with such an enthusiastic group of people as Whaley Bridge Learner Band makes the job a real pleasure.

On the day, the months of hard work and practice really came together in a fantastic and sparkling contest winning performance."