A fine line up of 16 bands took to the stage for the Wood Farm Brewery entertainment contest in Wiley near Rugby last weekend, where the Enderby Band directed by Christopher Small claimed the honours and 'Band of the Day' award in the joint First/Second Section event.

Enderby victory

Their 25 minute programme that opened with 'Enter the Galaxies', and followed up with 'A Time for Us' featuring the quintet of Sean Doughty, Ian Hayto, Bob Foulds, Joe Matthews and Danielle Thomas; 'Castell Coch'; the trumpet duet 'Spanish Fiesta' with Trevor Housome and Tom Lane -Spouge and the finale of 'Toccata in D Minor', proved good enough to beat off the challenge of rivals Bedworth Brass, with Wigston in third.

It proved to be a wonderful day of entertainment both for the adjudicators Dave Lea and Rob Stew as well as a supportive audience, with excellent performances to also enjoy in the Third/Fourth Section and Unregistered competitions.

Great contest

A delighted Enderby spokesperson told 4BR: "We are pleased to continue to support this great contest. It's just a couple of miles from our bandroom, the food and beers are superb and the whole event has a lovely sprit and atmosphere."

It proved to be a good day for Enderby in fact as their Concert Band won the Unregistered Section with their Junior Band making their first contesting appearance in over eight years.

Newhall delight

There was also delight for the Newhall Band as under the baton of Kevin Holdgate they posted their first victory since 2009 in the joint Third/Fourth Section.

Their inventive entertainment programme saw them claim the honours to make it what their website later described as 'a very, very, proud day'. Principal cornet Emma Morris took the 'Best Soloist' prize.

It proved good enough to beat off the strong challenge of Corby Silver, with a delighted Burbage Silver in third — their first podium finish since 2008.

We are pleased to continue to support this great contest. It's just a couple of miles from our bandroom, the food and beers are superb and the whole event has a lovely sprit and atmosphereEnderby spokesperson

Results:

First/Second Section:
Adjudicators: Dave Lea and Rob Stew

1. Enderby (Christopher Small)
2. Bedworth Brass (Alwyn Green)
3. Wigston (Garry Sleath)
4. Amington (Malcolm Read)

Third/Fourth Section:
Adjudicators: Dave Lea and Rob Stew

1. Newhall (Kevin Holdgate)
2. Corby Silver (Cathy Fountain)
3. Burbage Silver (Christopher Small)
4. Ratby Co-operative Mid (Geoff Newman)
5. Croft Silver (Ian Needham)

Best Soloist: Emma Morris (cornet) — Newhall
Best Bass Section: Ratby Co-operative Mid

Unregistered Section:
Adjudicators: Dave Lea and Rob Stew

1. Enderby Concert (Stewart Osgood)
2. Daventry Music Centre (Lynette Wild)
3. Wigston Enterprise (Pat Allsop)
4. Bulkington Silver (Michael Taylor)
5. Enderby Junior (Sam McClumpha)
6. Dunchurch Band (John Randle)
7. Thrapston Town (Kevin Spencer)

Best Soloist: Megan Elson (flugel) — Daventry Music Centre