The 9th Ireland Colliery Chesterfield & Raw Brewery 'Battle of the Bands' contest was recently held at Parkside Community School in Chesterfield.

Adjudicators Martin Heartfield and Mike Fowles judged 14 excellent performances in their respective sections, commenting on the high standard, especially with the training and unregistered bands featuring a host of talented young performers in their ranks.

Dynamics

Mike also added that in the senior Third/Fourth and First/Second Sections there were some very good performances that were well put together and thought out, although some bands did not greatly vary their dynamics or take enough risks in the acoustic.

He revealed that it had been difficult to pick the winners in the First/Second Section contest, with one band delivering a very technical set and the other a more musically inspired programme.

Victories

The Training Band honours eventually went to Coleshill Youth Brass conducted by Stephen Fagg, with Carlton Brass Training Band under the baton of Geoff Hawley, taking the trophy in the Unregistered Section.

Deepcar Brass gave the winning performance under MD, Lindon Bolt in the joint Third/Fourth Section event ahead of Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band and Rolls Royce Derby.

In the First/Second Section, Dronfield Genquip Band, conducted by Tabby Clegg gave a hugely entertaining performance to take the winner's accolade and trophy

Thanks

Event organiser Ian Knapton told 4BR: "Nine years ago we came up with the idea for this contest which was aimed at offering bands the chance to perform an entertaining programme to brass band lovers.

This year has been the best year yet, with over 300 people in the door throughout the day plus all performers. I would like to give my thanks to the committed and hardworking team which is part of the Music & Real Ale festival.

We would also like to thank Raw Brewery whose ongoing support is invaluable and Parkside Community School."

This year has been the best year yet, with over 300 people in the door throughout the day plus all performers. I would like to give my thanks to the committed and hardworking team which is part of the Music & Real Ale festivalOrganisers

Results:

First/Second Section:
Adjudicators: Michael Fowles (Music); Colum O'Shea (Deportment); Michael Thacker MBE (Entertainment)

1. Dronfield Genquip (Tabby Clegg) — 87
2. Stannington (Derek Renshaw) — 86
3. Dinnington Colliery (Jonathan Beatty) — 85

Deportment & Entertainment Award: Dronfield Genquip
Soloist Award: Russell Cavanagh: Dinnington Brass
Band Representative Award: Dinnington Colliery

Most Entertaining Item across 1st/2nd & 3rd/4th Sections: Dronfield Genquip
Youngest Player: Keira Littlewood (Dinnington Colliery)

Third/Fourth Section:
Adjudicators: Michael Fowles (Music); Colum O'Shea (Deportment); Michael Thacker MBE (Entertainment)

1. Deepcar Brass (Lindon Bolt) — 82
2. Pleasley Colliery Welfare (Geoff Benson) — 81
3. Rolls Royce Derby (Graham Cardwell) — 80
4. Oughtibridge Brass (Gavin Somerset) — 79

Deportment& Entertainment Award: Oughtibridge Brass
Soloist Award: Geraint Hale (soprano) — Deepcar Brass
Band Representative Award: Rolls Royce Derby
Youngest Player: Maddy Cooke (Deepcar Brass)

Unregistered Section:
Adjudicator: Martin Hearthfield

1. Carlton Brass Training (Geoff Hawley) — 91
2. Thurlstone (Jonathan Bates) — 88

Soloist Prize: Sarah Harper (cornet) — Carlton Brass Training
Youngest Player: George Maddison (Carlton Brass Training)

Most Entertaining Item across Training & Unregistered Sections: Thurlstone Band

Training Band Section:
Adjudicator: Martin Heartfield

1. Coleshill Youth Brass (Stephen Fagg) — 88*
2. Rotherham Schools Youth (Jeremy Wade) — 87**
3. Thurlstone Training (Jonathan Bates — 86
4. Leicester Co-operative Training (Liz Barham) — 85
5. Stannington Training (Tim Parris) — 84

*2 point time penalty
**1 point time penalty

Soloist Prize: Edward Culpin (baritone) — Leicester Co-operative Training
Youngest Player: Amber Croft (Stannington Training)