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