There was an excellent musical atmosphere to go along with the top class playing at the inaugural Blackburn & Darwen Band March & Hymn Tune Competition which took place on the weekend.

Successful

It proved to be a hugely successful day with a dozen competitors taking part in glorious sunshine outside Darwen Town Hall, in an event that celebrated the 175th anniversary of the North West band.

Packed audience

A Band spokesperson told 4BR: "The day went without a hitch and feedback from the packed audience has been amazing."

The winning band was Ashton under Lyne that took first prize in both the hymn tune and the march disciplines to march back home with an overall prize package of £850, with Haslingden & Helmshore pocketing £600 as runner-up in both sections. Ashton's Claire Chalk also took the prize as the 'Best Principal Cornet'.

There was plenty of cash for other bands to enjoy too with section awards of £300 (march) and £100 (hymn).

The winning band was Ashton under Lyne that took first prize in both the hymn tune and the march disciplines to march back home with an overall prize package of £8504BR

Results:
Adjudicator: Russell Gray

March:
1. Ashton-under -Lyne (Phil Chalk)
2. Haslingden & Helmshore (David Holland)
3. Glossop Old (Les Webb)

Second Section winner: Eccleston (John Wood)
Third Section winner: Hawk Green (Neil Hewson)
Fourth Section winner: Brindle (Graham Smith)

Best Soloist: Claire Chalk (Principal Cornet) — Ashton-Under-Lyne

Hymn Tune:
1. Ashton-under-Lyne (Phil Chalk)
2. Haslingden & Helmshore (David Holland)
3. Hawk Green (Neil Hewson)

Second Section winner: Glossop Old (Les Webb)
Third Section winner: Rivington & Adlington (Malcolm Wilson)
Fourth Section winner: Brindle (Graham Smith)