There was plenty of excellent music making to enjoy at the recent ‘Picnic in the Park’ Entertainment contest in Durham, run by the Durham County Brass Band Association, where an audience of well over 600 people including adjudicator David Lancaster sat back to hear the performances of the bands.

Defence

In Section A there was victory for Easington Colliery, who retained their title under the baton of Stuart Gray, with their soprano player taking the ‘Best Soloist’ Award for his rendition of ‘Demelza’.

There was also a successful defence of their title by Houghton Brass who once again took the Section B honours conducted by Tom Gibson.

Results:

Section A:
Adjudicator: David Lancaster

1. Easington Colliery Band (Stuart Gray)
2. NASUWT Concert Brass (John Bell)
3. Durham Miners Association (Stuart Gray)
4. Cockerton (Anthony Taylor)
5. Billingham Silver (Vaughan Evans)
6. Murton Colliery (Lee Morris)

Best March: Durham Miners Association
Best Soloist: Easington Colliery
Highest Placed Second Section Band: NASUWT Concert Brass

Section B:
Adjudicator: David Lancaster

1. Houghton Brass (Tom Gibson)
2. Valley Brass (David Chadwick)
3. Marske Brass (Alun Prest)
4. Dunston Silver (Aiden Hodgson)
5. Lanchester Brass (James Burton)

Best March: Houghton Brass
Best Soloist: Valley Brass
Highest Placed Fourth Section Band: Valley Brass