*
banner

Report & Results: 2015 Hardraw Scar Contest

Elland Silver and Tingley lead the way at one of the banding world's most iconic contesting venues...

Hardraw Scar
 

The iconic Hardraw Scar gorge once again rang out to the wonderful combined sounds of water and brass last weekend.

Eleven bands took to the famous open air bandstand 134 years after the first contest, to provide excellent competitive entertainment for the enthusiastic audience who packed the bucolic banding venue.

Added bonus

With the added bonus of fine weather the festival patrons were treated to a highly entertaining cornucopia of music throughout the day, all set against the magnificent backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales National Park — with many loyal spectators arriving over an hour before the event to make sure they nabbed the best spots to hear the bands perform.

This year was also especially poignant as it was the first festival since the passing of Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association stalwart Colin Wormald, long time organiser of the festival who worked tirelessly to rejuvenate the event.

Tingley success

Tingley Band under the baton of Geoff Fowler triumphed in a small Section B field for Fourth Section competitors, collecting prizes in the hymn, solo and march categories from Barry Gibb, the representative of the local Theakston's Brewery who generously support the contest.

Elland title win

The Section A title was lifted by Elland Silver, whose winning programme included the march 'The Senator' and Steve Robson's arrangement of 'Love Unknown' as their featured hymn tune.

David Woodward's rendition of 'Blaydon Races' also caught adjudicator Anne Crookston's ear as Elland swept the board, much to the delight of MD Daniel Brooks.

Recital

The award for the most entertaining programme went to Shirland Welfare Band who provided a lively finale to the day before forming the core of the traditional massed band recital at the end of the festival.

This year was also especially poignant as it was the first festival since the passing of Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association stalwart Colin Wormald4BR

Results:

Section A:
(Championship — Third Section)

1. Elland Silver (Daniel Brooks)
2. Tintwistle (Simon Wood)
3. Skelmanthorpe Prospect (Duncan Beckley)
4. Whitworth Vale & Healey (John Binns)
5. Shirland Welfare (Lynden Cooper)
6. Leyburn Band (Rebecca Lundberg)
7. Ferryhill Town (Andrew Hall)
8. Stacksteads (Fred Bowker)
9. Eagley (Matthew Ryan)

Best March: Elland Silver
Best Hymn: Elland Silver
Best Solo: Elland Silver

Section B:
(Fourth Section)

1. Tingley (Geoff Fowler)
2. Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge) (Neil Robinson)

Best March: Tingley
Best Hymn: Tingley
Best Solo: Tingley
Best Basses: Tingley

Best March by an Ungraded Band: Leyburn
Most Entertaining Programme: Shirland Welfare

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd