After a break of ten years, the Yorkshire & Humberside BBA contest returned to the Civic Hall in Holmfirth with the sun shining in the heart of 'Last of the Summer Wine' country as the seven bands from Yorkshire, Lancashire and Teesside that took to the stage to impress adjudicator John Roberts.

Excellent Elland

Late withdrawals were a cause for some disappointment, but there was still plenty of fine music making for an appreciative audience to enjoy as Elland Silver continued their excellent 2015 form with a victory in the A Section under the baton of Danny Brookes.

Their performance of their own-choice selection of 'Trittico' and hymn tune saw them gain a narrow single point victory over runner-up Hade Edge, who performed 'Of Distant Memories'. Ripon City was third playing 'Endeavour' alongside their hymn tune.

Hade Edge's tuba player Charles Berisford took the 'Best Instrumentalist' award.

Visitors win

In the B Group event it was welcome victors North Skelton who took the honours under their MD George Nicklin with a fine brace of own choice set work, 'The Aeronauts' combined with their hymn tune of 'Aurelia'.

The band's soprano player Michael Holliday took the 'Best Instrumentalist' award for his excellent contribution as they claimed a single point victory over rivals Stalybridge Old who played 'Labour & Love', and Otley Brass who performed 'Oceans'.

Speaking on behalf of the Association, YHBBA President, Peggy Tomlinson told 4BR: "We thank all concerned for their participation and for supporting the Association in its efforts to re-establish this event."

Thanks were also given to Geneva Instruments for their valued sponsorship in providing the services of one of their artists to act as soloist in a concert or to give a masterclass for the winners of each group.

We thank all concerned for their participation and for supporting the Association in its efforts to re-establish this eventYHBBA President, Peggy Tomlinson

Results:
Group A:
Adjudicator: John Roberts

1. Elland Silver (Danny Brookes) — 223
2. Hade Edge (Jonathan Beatty) — 222
3. Ripon City (Martin Hall) — 215
4. Eccleston (John Wood) — 212

Best First Section Band: Elland Silver
Best Second Section Band: Eccleston
Best Instrumentalist: Charles Berisford (Eb tuba) — Hade Edge
Best Hymn: Hade Edge

Group B:
Adjudicator: John Roberts

1. North Skelton (George Nicklin) — 219
2. Stalybridge Old (David Ashworth) — 218
3. Otley Brass (Will Rowson) — 217

Best Third Section Band: North Skelton
Best Fourth Section Band: Stalybridge Old
Best Unregistered Band: Otley
Best Instrumentalist: Michael Holliday (soprano) — North Skelton
Best Hymn: Old Skelton