Thankfully, stormy weather gave way to glorious sunshine on the weekend in Buxton, where there was a great atmosphere and plenty of fine music making on show one of the best run regional contests in the UK.

Chivalry win for Bollington

The sun certainly shone on Bollington Brass, as Peter Christian led the North West band to the Championship/First Section title with a fine performance of Martin Ellerby’s ‘Chivalry’, with Elland Silver in second and Hazel Grove in third.

It was Bollington’s second victory at the contest in the past four years, whilst adjudicator Michael Fowles awarded Samantha Harrison the ‘Best Soloist’ award for her playing in Elland’s performance of ‘Trittico’.

Besses victory

In the Third Section, Besses o’ th’ Barn continued their recent good form under the direction of Simon Cowen as they caught the ear of adjudicator John Doyle with their performance of ‘Labour & Love’, to beat off the strong challenge of National Finalists Old Hall Brass and Ifton Colliery Welfare to the top of the podium.

It was Besses first win under the baton of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra trombone player, and their first at any senior contest since 2010, as the renaissance of one of the most famous names on world banding continues.

The ‘Best Euphonium Section’ prize went to Matlock Band for their contribution to their performance of ‘Oceans’.

Formby triumph

In a keenly contested Fourth Section, it was North West Area champion, Formby Band directed by Louise Hough who took the took the honours back to Merseyside with their outstanding reprise of the Area test piece ‘An English Pastoral’.

Stalybridge Old also continued on their good run of form to come second, with Skelmersdale Prize in third. The ‘Best Basses’ award went to the tuba team of Denton Brass.

It was Besses first win under the baton of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra trombone player, and their first at any senior contest since 20104BR

Results:

Championship/First Section:
Adjudicator: Michael Fowles

1. Bollington (Peter Christian)
2. Elland Silver (Daniel Brooks)
3. Hazel Grove (Nigel Beasley)
4. Haslingden & Helmshore (David Holland)
5. Whitworth Vale & Healey (John Binns)
6. Ireland Colliery Welfare (Ian Knapton)

Third Section:
Adjudicator John Doyle

1. Besses o’ th’ Barn (Simon Cowan)
2. Old Hall Brass (John North)
3. Ifton Colliery Welfare (Wayne Rushton)
4. Golborne Brass (Martin Whitfield)
5. Matlock (Geoff Hawley)
6. Greenfield (Tom Haslam)
7. Hawk Green (Marple) (Neil Hewson)
8. Greenall’s (Phil Boardman)

Fourth Section:
Adjudicator: John Doyle

1. Formby (Louise Hough)
2. Stalybridge Old (David Ashworth)
3. Skelmersdale (Dave Chapman)
4. Pleasley Colliery Welfare (Geoff Benson)
5. Denton (Matthew Bailey)
6. Lees (Mark Landon)