Yorkshire's Old Silkstone Band has just returned from a highly enjoyable trip to compete in the South of Ireland Brass Band Championships.

The band was invited over to Ireland by the Carrick on Suir Band to join them at the 36th Championship held in the beautiful town of Clonakilty.

Great weekend

Both bands enjoyed a great weekend of music making — especially the Yorkshire visitors who were given fantastic hospitality from their hosts on what was their first trip to Ireland.

Although they didn't quite manage to force their way into the prizes against a field of 24 rivals at Clonakilty Community College, the packed audience and adjudicator Philip Harper certainly enjoyed Old Silkstone's programme.

It started with the march 'Ravenswood', Neil Hefti's 'Cute', the cornet solo 'Swedish Hymn' — which won principal cornet Sam Fisher the 'Adjudicators Award', and 'Born Free'.

Standing ovation

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "The band performed to a packed hall and their music was very well received by the appreciative audience. It was lovely to receive a standing ovation at the end of our performance!"

Following the competition, the band then performed a short outdoor concert in the town before both bands relaxed in a local pub.

We've had such a great experience and we can't wait to return again next yearOld Silkstone Band spokesperson

Thrilled

The spokesperson added: "We were thrilled when our Irish friends, brothers David and Kevin Power invited to compete in the championship. It was a fantastic banding weekend.

We've had such a great experience and we can't wait to return again next year."