The Northern Ireland Brass Band League, in association with the School of Creative Arts at Queen’s University Belfast (above), recently played host to the fifth Festival of Brass contest at the city’s impressive Whitla Hall.

16 bands from across Northern Ireland took to the stage to present their programmes to a thoroughly entertained audience, music adjudicator Richard Evans and entertainment adjudicator Beverley Coomber, who noted that she had tingled, cried, laughed and smiled at the performances on the day — although not all at the same time!

Stunning playing

Richard also noted that he had enjoyed some stunning playing, particularly in the Championship Section with a number of high quality solo performers on show too. In the end it was Downshire Brass under the baton of Michael Alcorn who retained their title.

Excellent youth

Richard also took time to mention the excellent performances in the Youth Section which he felt even showed their senior counterparts a thing or two. Winners 1st Old Boys Youth Band conducted by Jacklin Bingham certainly entertained the audience with Leigh Baker’s clever arrangement of ‘Mr Sandman’, whilst Connor Chambers picked up the soloist prize for his xylophone rendition of ‘Black and White Rag’.

A spokesperson for the organisers told 4BR: “The Brass Band League would like to thank our sponsors and those who have helped to organise the festival. In particular, they would like to thank Queen’s University and Professor Michael Alcorn for their continuing extensive support of this popular event.

Results:

Championship Section:
Adjudicators: Richard Evans (music) & Beverley Coomber (entertainment)
Music + Entertainment = Total

1. Downshire Brass (Michael Alcorn): 10/9 = 19
2. Murley Silver (Stephen Crooks): 8/10 = 18
3. 1st Old Boys Silver (Stephen Cairns): 9/8 = 17
4. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Dessie Neil): 7/7 = 14

Best March: Downshire Brass
Best Soloist: Morris Cameron (1st Old Boys Silver)
Most Entertaining Band: Murley Silver

Second Grade:
Music + Entertainment = Total

1. Third Carrickfergus (Desmond Graham): 10/8 = 18
2. CWA Brass (Robin Clinton): 9/9 = 18
3. Roughan Silver (Keith Anderson): 8/10 = 18

Best March: Third Carrickfergus
Best Soloist: Phil McCurrie (CWA Brass)
Most Entertaining Band: Roughan Silver

Third Grade:
Music + Entertainment = Total

1. St Mark’s Silver: 10/9 = 19
2. Comber Silver: 9/10 = 19

Best March: St Mark’s Silver
Best Soloist: Kelly Kaya (Comber Silver)
Most Entertaining Band: Comber Silver

Fourth Grade:
Music + Entertainment = Total

1. Dungannon Silver: 10/10 = 20
2. Warrenpoint Silver: 9/9 = 18
3. Maguiresbridge Silver: 8/8 = 16

Best March: Dungannon Silver
Best Soloist: Rodney McCabe (Warrenpoint Silver)
Most Entertaining Band: Dungannon Silver

Fifth Grade:
Music + Entertainment = Total

1. 1st Larne Old Boys Silver: 10/10 = 20

Best March: 1st Larne Old Boys Silver
Most Entertaining Band: 1st Larne Old Boys Silver

Youth Grade:
Music + Entertainment = Total

1. 1st Old Boys Youth: 10/9 = 19
2. Downshire Brass Youth: 8/10 = 18
3. Third Carrickfergus Junior: 9/8 = 17

Best March: Downshire Brass Youth
Best Soloist: Connor Chambers (1st Old Boys Youth)
Most Entertaining Band: Downshire Brass Youth