*
banner

Report & Results: 2015 Pogson Bray Entertainment

Slaithwaite reclaim Pogson Bray entertainment title with a touch of American pizazz.

Slaithwaite
 

Yorkshire Third Section champion Slaithwaite put behind their recent disappointing return at the National Finals in Cheltenham as they claimed the Pogson Bray Entertainment title for the second time in three years.

American theme

Directed by Rob Westacott, their 'American' themed programme at Bertie's Bistro venue in Elland saw them hold off the inspired challenge of local favourites Elland Silver Youth, with Knottingley Silver in third to take the £400 first prize.

Slaithwaite opened their 20-minute set with PLC's 'Starbursts and Canyons', before principal cornet Joanne Griffith gave a wonderful performance of 'Bess You is My Woman'.

The MD's own cleverly conceived arrangement of 'Swing with Grace' — combining elements of both the famous English rugby song and the unofficial Scottish anthem led into Sousa's 'White Rose March', before ending with a touch of rhinestone Elvis and 'American Trilogy'.

Solid victory

"It was a good solid victory,"the winning MD told 4BR. "We enjoy supporting this event as it gives us a chance to show off our concert skills and talents.

The band was on excellent form and it sets us up nicely for the forthcoming 'Brass Factor' contest in Holmfirth next month, where the players are looking forward to being led by my old friend Lee Skipsey."

CD release

Rob added: "Apart from Cheltenham it's been another very good season for the band and we are now looking forward to building on this latest success — not just at Brass Factor but also with our first commercial recording for over 40 years when we release our new CD next March."

Adjudicator Alan Holdsworth commented on the high standard of playing and entertainment he enjoyed throughout the day from the eleven competitors, with a number of well thought out programmes and fine solo features.

Prizes

Knottingley Silver's rousing rendition of William Rimmer's 'The Australasian' took the 'Best March' prize with Charlotte Horsfield of Elland Silver Youth taking a deserved 'Best Soloist Award' for her superb playing of 'Bayrische Polka'.

The band was on excellent form and it sets us up nicely for the forthcoming 'Brass Factor' contest in Holmfirth next monthMD, Rob Westacott

Results:
Adjudicator: Alan Holdsworth

1. Slaithwaite (Rob Westacott) — 185
2. Elland Silver Youth (Sam Harrison) — 184
3. Knottingley Silver (Kevin Belcher) — 183
4. Barnsley Brass (William Rushworth) — 181
5. Emley Brass (Garry Hallas) — 179
6. Lofthouse 2000 (Andrew Whitaker) — 177
7. Huddersfield & Ripponden (Adam Bell) — 177*
8. Clifton & Lightcliffe B (John Clay) — 176
9. Huddersfield Youth Ensemble (Alan Jaswinski) — 168
10. Elland Silver Training (Samantha Harrison) — 167
11. Friendly Band Sowerby Bridge (Neil Robinson) -166

* 1 point time penalty

Best Soloist: Charlotte Horsfield (trombone) — Elland Silver Youth
Best March: Knottingley Silver

Best Third Section Band not in prizes: Clifton & Lightcliffe 'B'
Best Fourth Section Band not in prizes: Lofthouse 2000
Best Youth Band not in prizes: Huddersfield Youth Brass (Alan Jazwinski)

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    


4BR Preview

4BR Review — Episode 9

October 7 • Join the conversion with your views and opinions about the Royal Albert Hall National Final — who you think may win and what you feel should be done to secure its future.


the cooperation band

Half century mark for cooperation players

October 7 • Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday have just notched up 50 years of outstanding service to the brass band movement — with an appearance at the Albert Hall to help with the celebrations.


Hindmarsh

Heaton spotlight on Radio 3

October 7 • The life and music of Wilfred Heaton will be discussed by author Paul Hindmarsh on Radio 3's flagship arts programme 'In Tune' next Monday.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 7 • The new podcast episode from Sandy Smith and Simon Gresswell is now out.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 5 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd