There was a wonderful display of brass band entertainment on show amid the glorious surroundings of Ripon Cathedral last weekend, as competitors took the unique opportunity to perform in one of the UKs finest medieval buildings.
Popular
The popularity of the competition has grown to such an extent that 25 bands (including three new entrants) applied to take part this year — although due to time constraints only 14 could be accommodated.
With excellent facilities and organisation there was much to enjoy for adjudicators and listeners alike, with the Leyburn Band from North Yorkshire, conducted by Rebecca Lundberg, claiming the Championship Rose Bowl and £250 first prize from judges Richard Evans (music) and Malcolm Dibb and Mark Sidwell (entertainment).
Prize winners
Their 20 minute programme, which also featured the ‘Best Soloist’ contribution of soprano cornet Emma Lundberg, proved good enough to gain a clear three point winning margin over runner-up, North Skelton, directed by Dennis Noble.
They in turn took home the Cathedral Trophy and £150, as well as winning the prizes on offer for ‘Best March’ and ‘Best Hymn’.
Lofthouse 2000 was third, led by Andy Whitaker, whilst the ‘Most Entertaining Programme’ award went to Trimdon Concert, with newcomers Hull University, conducted by Elizabeth Hartley taking the ‘Best Fourth/Unregistered Section Band’ not in the podium prizes.
Combination
A delighted contest secretary Paulette Morton told 4BR that the contest proved once again that a combination of a great venue, good organisation and excellent judges was a winning formula.
"The reputation of the contest as friendly and welcoming is one we (Ripon City) are pleased to have, and we work hard to ensure a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere whilst making sure things run smoothly.
I would like to thank all the bands for their continuing enthusiasm and support for our contest, and especially to our three newcomers of Beverley Brass, Craghead Colliery and Hull University Music Association."
The reputation of the contest as friendly and welcoming is one we (Ripon City) are pleased to have, and we work hard to ensure a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere whilst making sure things run smoothlyorganisers
Results:
Adjudicators: Richard Evans (music); Malcolm Dibb & Mark Sidwell (entertainment)
Music + Entertainment = Total
1. Leyburn Band (Rebecca Lundberg): 184+45 = 229
2. North Skelton (Denis Noble): 183+43 = 226*
3. Lofthouse 2000 (Andy Whitaker): 182+44 = 226
4. Slaithwaite (Rob Westacott): 181+44 = 225
5. Hull University (Elizabeth Hartley): 179+41 = 220
6. Trimdon Concert (William Harrison): 173+46 = 219
7. Knaresborough Silver (Steve Moreland): 177+41 = 218
8. Thurlstone Welfare (Graham Bates): 178+40 = 217
9. Garforth Jubilee (Charles Hindmarsh): 175+41 = 216
10. Craghead Colliery (Andy Hunter): 176+39 = 214*
11. Skipton Brass (Adrian Lowes): 174+39 = 214
12. Marske Brass (Alun Prest): 173+40 = 212*
13. Shepherd Concert Group (Mike Pratt): 171+42 = 212
14. Beverley Brass (Peter Kench): 170+36 = 204
*In the event of a tie the music mark prevails
Thurlstone, Craghead, Marske, Shepherd Group and Beverly all incurred time penalties
