*
banner

Report & Results: 2015 Shirebrook Entertainment Contest

There is a first contest success for the new musical partnership of Simon Gresswell and Enderby Band to enjoy 'with a performance that had everything'.

Gresswell
 

There was a lucrative first contesting success for the new partnership of MD Simon Gresswell and Enderby Band to savour on the weekend, as Shirebrook Town Council hosted its inaugural music festival.

The Shirebrook Entertainment Contest provided the competitive climax to two days of outstanding music making, which began on the Saturday evening with a stunning concert performance by Grimethorpe Colliery under the direction of MD, Dr Robert Childs.

On his return from leading the North American Brass Band Summer School Band at the Nova Scotia International Tattoo, he led the reigning Brass in Concert champion through a crowd pleasing programme that included world class soloists and ensemble favourites.

High class

Staged at Shirebrook Leisure Centre and featuring eight bands competing for the substantial winner's cheque of £750 and a share of the generous prize fund, Sunday's entertainment contest was also a great success, with a wide variety of high class music making for adjudicator Glyn Williams and the supportive audience to enjoy.

It was a confident Enderby Band that built on their recent victory at the Wood Farm Brewery contest to get their hands on trophy and that wad of title winning cash, as they beat off the strong challenge of Yorkshire First Section and Butlins Champion, Unite the Union (City of Sheffield), with South Yorkshire Police in third.

Had everything

The Midlanders 30-minute set as the penultimate band of the day opened with PLC's 'Enter the Galaxies', followed by 'A Little Prayer' and 'Share My Yoke' which featured principal cornet Sean Doughty.

Further contrast was shown with 'With Fire & Sword' alongside 'Deep Harmony', 'American Salute' and 'The Irish Blessing', before they rounded things off with the vibrant 'Phoenix' from 'War of the Worlds' by Peter Graham.

Adjudicator, Glyn Williams praised the band's attention to the basics of band playing, as well as their overall sound, closing his remarks by stating that he felt it was, '…a performance that had everything'.

Elated

Not surprisingly, an elated MD Simon Gresswell was keen to help his band celebrate their success as he offered to fill the winner's trophy (above).

"I've won many contest trophies as a player,"he said. "But none has given me as much pride as my first win as conductor. The band deserves enormous credit as they beat some very good rivals. I'd like to thank them for their hard work and dedication."

Delighted

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the band added: "We're all absolutely delighted with the result.

Obviously it's a terrific start for us under Simon's direction, but what was especially pleasing was Glyn Williams' praise for our attention to the basics of good playing, which is something Simon has been really concentrating on over the last six weeks. It's great to see that Simon's hard work is already paying dividends."

They added: "The band is now busy preparing for the remainder of its summer concert commitments, and two prestigious appearances at Leicester's Curve Theatre and DeMontfort Hall as well looking forward to the Wychavon Festival of Brass."

Best Soloist

Cheltenham finalists Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) had to be content with the £400 prize as runner-up under the baton of David Hirst, although principal cornet Glenn Birks, deservedly claimed the 'Best Soloist' award for his wonderful performance of 'Y Bore Glas'.

South Yorkshire Police continued on their upturn in contesting fortunes as they secured third place under Leigh Baker, whilst the award as 'Most Entertaining Third/Fourth Section Band' went to Market Rasen (ResDev) from Lincolnshire.

A festival spokesperson told 4BR: "Shirebrook Town Council has been thrilled at the response to the first ever event of this kind, and we are delighted to announce that we will be staging the festival again in July 2016, headlined by a Saturday evening concert with Foden's Band."

I've won many contest trophies as a player. But none has given me as much pride as my first win as conductorEnderby MD, Simon Gresswell

Full Result:
Adjudicator: Glyn Williams

1. Enderby Band (Simon Gresswell)
2. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (David Hirst)
3. South Yorkshire Police (Leigh Baker)
4. Shirebrook Miners Welfare (Mark Wilcockson)
5. Ireland Colliery (Chesterfield) (Ian Knapton)
6. Market Rasen (ResDev) (David Dernley)
7. Rolls Royce (Derby) (Graham Cardwell)
8. Dinnington Colliery (Jonathan Beatty)

Best Soloist: Glenn Birks (principal cornet) — Unite the Union (City of Sheffield)
Most Entertaining Third/Fourth Section Band: Market Rasen (ResDev)

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Rooms for groups

Hotel bookings ready to be sorted for Cheltenham and London

March 16 • Another raft of regional winners and qualifiers can get in touch with the hotel accommodation specialists rooms4groups this morning to sort out a welcome headache...


wELSH aREA

Results: 2025 Welsh Regional Championships

March 15 • Tredegar leads the way as Welsh Champion with section wins for Parc & Dare, Deiniolen Silver, City of Wrexham and Holywell in Swansea


Stevenage

Results: 2025 London & Southern Counties Area Championships

March 15 • East London Brass claims the Championship honours in Stevenage with Kidlington Concert Brass, Jersey Premier, Betteshanger and Cobham taking the section titles.


cIVIC cENTRE

Result: 2025 Midlands Second Section Area Championship

March 15 • Carlton Brass claims the Second Section honours in Bedworth


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 21 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 21 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: North of England Regional Championships

Saturday 22 March • 1 Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA


Regent Hall Concerts - Household Troops Band of the Salvation Army

Saturday 22 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: North of England Regional Championships

Sunday 23 March • 1 Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA


Chinnor Silver

March 17 • What a day, 2nd place in our regional contest, qualification for the National Finals and promotion to the 1st Section. However we need basses( Bb or Eb) and percussionists to join us on our exciting journey. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings in Chinnor.


Enderby Band

March 16 • Musical Director required. . Enderby Band are a championship section band based in the village of Enderby in Leicestershire. . . Rehearsals are Tuesday and Friday evenings 8pm until 10pm. . . Resident or professional sought depending on experience.


Enderby Band

March 16 • Bass trombone and Bb Bass required.. . Enderby Band are a championship section band based in the village of Enderby in Leicestershire.. . Rehearsals are Tuesday and Friday evenings 8pm to 10pm at the Enderby Village Institute.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd