The Uppermill Band recently claimed the unique tri-partite Kippax Entertainment title at the sixth running of the highly enjoyable contest.

First appearance

Under the baton of Alan Widdop, the band was making its first entertainment contest appearance for nearly a decade, but took to the format like an experienced campaigner to claim the Entertainment Trophy and the £200 first prize.

The innovative event sees three recently promoted First Section bands from Yorkshire, the North West and North of England play 30 minute entertainment programmes at the Kippax Band Club in front of an appreciative and knowledgeable audience.

Tri-partite

This year holders South Milford conducted by Martin Hall from the North of England, were joined by Knottingley Silver directed by Dr Owen Wedgewood from Yorkshire and Uppermill from the North West to provide excellent programmes that were commended for their quality by the experienced adjudicator, David Lancaster.

In the end though it was Uppermill who triumphed thanks to a programme that opened with ‘Strike up the Band’, and was followed by ‘Donegal Bay’,‘American Trilogy’ and the hymn tune ‘Love Unknown’.

Clever take

They then showcased their entertaining side with a clever take on the ‘Worth Valley Railway’ (complete with effects) before closing with the classic cool jazz of ‘Blue Rondo a la Turk’ by Dave Brubeck.

Knottingley’s cornet player took the ‘Best Soloist’ prize with Adam Stott claiming the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award for his fine contribution on flugel horn to the Uppermill success.

Worthwhile

An Uppermill Band spokesperson told 4BR that the long wait to make their entertainment debut had been well worthwhile.

"It was such a great contest — so well run and presented by Kippax Band Club. It was amazing to think this was our first entertainment contest appearance for nearly 10 years, but we certainly enjoyed the experience and would love to take part in more of them in the future.

For the time being though we are concentrating our thoughts on Butlins in the early part of the new 2014 season."

It was amazing to think this was our first entertainment contest appearance for nearly 10 years, but we certainly enjoyed the experience and would love to take part in more of them in the futureUppermill Band

Result:

1. Uppermill (Alan Widdop)

Also taking part, Knottingley Silver and South Milford