Report & Results: 2014 Whiston Festival of Brass

Top class weather, top class bands, top class music and even top class beer on a great day at Whiston as Dronfield take the honours.

Wednesday, 09 July 2014

There was an excellent day of brass band entertainment on offer at the recent Whiston Festival of Brass, with the picturesque village near Rotherham basking in fine weather to welcome a host of visitors all keen to enjoy the competition on offer.

Entertained

The crowd were initially entertained by an opening concert provided by Frickley & South Elmsall Band before the contest was officially opened by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr. John Foden.

Despite the world’s sporting media giving all their attention to the Yorkshire Tour de France, 10 eager contenders took to the stage to perform their 20 minute programme sets after marching through the village in their own form of musical peloton.

Fantastic beer

With an excellent bar to cater for thirsty listeners (and players) adjudicator Stan Lippeatt certainly enjoyed the atmosphere as he gave his expert opinions on what unfolded before him, commenting that he would be back next year even if it was just for the fantastic beer!

The day was rounded off with a superb evening concert that featured the popular group ‘The Makeshifts’ that kept the local’s dancing till late evening.

Dronfield triumph

The contest was won by Second Section Dronfield (Genquip) who took the first prize of £350 ahead of Yorkshire rivals Chapeltown Silver with First Section Strata Brass in third.

Maltby Miners took the top Fourth Section band award, whilst Chapeltown Silver’s principal cornet player claimed the ‘Best Soloist’ prize with a fine rendition of the ‘Harry James Trumpet Concerto’.

Next year’s Whiston Festival of Brass 'Brasstonbury' will be held on Saturday 4th July.

The contest was won by Second Section Dronfield (Genquip) who took the first prize of £350 ahead of Yorkshire rivals Chapeltown Silver with First Section Strata Brass in third4BR

Result:
Adjudicator: Stan Lippeatt

1. Dronfield (Genquip) (David Holling)
2. Chapeltown Silver (Andrew Dennis)
3. Strata Brass (David Holling)
4. Maltby Miners Welfare (Terry Clifford)
5. Loxley Silver (Lee Dunckley)
6. Whitwell (Bob Woffinden)
7. Altofts & Normanton (Ian Hartsorne)

Training & Juniors
Adjudicator: Stan Lippeatt

1. Lions Junior Brass (Tom Hancock)
2. Thurlston Training (Jonathan Bates)
3. Whaley Bridge Training (Dan Sergeant)

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