There was an excellent day of contesting at the Larruperz Centre in Ross on Wye on the weekend at the GBBA Entertainment Contest.

Enjoyed

Adjudicator Ian Porthouse certainly enjoyed himself, telling 4BR: "I thoroughly enjoyed listening, and was particularly impressed with the high energy given out by the youth and training bands.

There were some tuning issues and a little bit of over excitement in some performances, but overall it was very encouraging to hear a number of very good performances and some excellent individual playing."

Ebbw victory

The most impressive performance in the A Section came from reigning National Fourth Section champion Ebbw Valley Brass, who took the honours by producing the ‘most entertaining’ band performance under MD Gareth Ritter.

Soprano player Kevin Moxon took the Best Soloist Award to help the band finish ahead of Welsh rivals Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda with Pillowell Silver in third.

Excellent performances

In the B Section there were a host of excellent performances to enjoy from the competing youth, training and unregistered bands, with Lydbrook Training showing that their future is looking rosy with a fine Gold Award winning performance.

The committee thanked all the bands for competing and hope to see everyone at the Annual GBBA Contest on 30th November.

overall it was very encouraging to hear a number of very good performances and some excellent individual playingIan Porthouse

Results:

Section A:
1. Ebbw Valley Brass
2. Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda
3. Pillowell Silver
4. Nailsworth Silver

Most Entertaining Band: Ebbw Valley Brass
Best Soloist: Kevin Moxon (soprano) — Ebbw Valley Brass
Highest placed Third Section Band: Ebbw Valley Brass
Highest placed Fourth Section Band: Pillowell Silver Band

Section B:
Youth, Training and Unregistered

Best Band: Lydbrook Training

Gold Awards:
Lydbrook Training
West Mercia Police Youth

Silver Awards:
Abergavenny Borough Training
City of Bristol Learner
Lydney Training

Best Soloist: Rory Gordon of Lydney Training
Youngest Player: Emily Oakley of Lydney Training