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)