It was not only the winners that left Cheltenham thrilled with their performances on the weekend, as Darwen Brass, who competed in the Third Section headed home more than pleased by their top six finish on ‘Symphony for Brass’

Delighted MD

Off the early number 3 draw, the band more than held its own against a strong field of seventeen rivals to eventually come fourth — something the MD Steve Hartley was delighted about.

"I was so pleased with our performance on stage: It was confident and musical. We had a difficult week prior to the contest, and it is to everyone’s credit that we were able to compete and play so well.

My players are so committed to the band and I can’t praise them enough for their efforts."

It’s sometimes difficult to believe how far we have progressed in such a short space of timeMD, Steve Hartley

Two promotions

Although only formed in 2007, Darwen Brass has already gained two promotions, and will now play in the Second Section from 2015.

Steve added: "It’s sometimes difficult to believe how far we have progressed in such a short space of time, and although we are under no illusions that life in the Second Section will be tough, we are looking forward to competing at that level and making another possible return to Cheltenham."