Besses o' th' Barn carried on their excellent 2015 contesting form with victory at the latest Brass Factor contest at the Picturedrome in Holmfirth on the weekend.

On their debut appearance in the competition they pipped Barnsley's Old Silkstone and local favourites Slaithwaite with a programme that wowed the audience as well as the professional and celebrity judging panel.

Signature

Under the baton of Simon Cowen Besses kicked off with a short version of its own 'signature march', 'Whitefield', before neatly segueing into a custom arrangement by Carin Johnson of the trio melody from the march, heard as a haunting hymn tune played by a quartet.

A quick transition into 'I Know Him so Well' from the musical, Chess, also arranged by Carin and sung superbly as a duet by Caitlin Wineyard and herself over the accompanying band, was followed by the MD stealing the limelight in a comedic performance of 'The Acrobat', while an increasingly desperate Paul Exton-McGuinness, on principal trombone tried his best to get a note in edgeways!

Blast from the Past

The band concluded with 'A Blast from the Past', another custom arrangement, this time by Band Chairperson Tilly Tompkins, of a foot-stamping sing-along medley of pop tunes from the likes of Johnny Cash, Phil Collins, Barry Manilow, Dexys Midnight Runners and David Bowie.

Delighted

A delighted winning MD Simon Cowen told 4BR: "The performance from the band was simple fantastic — the players really do know how to put on a great show. They deserve the plaudits for all their hard work and belief. This was a well-deserved win."

It was another great night of brass band entertainment for an appreciative audience to enjoy with founder Alex Bray telling 4BR: "This year's entries have demonstrated once and for all that brass music is alive and thriving and that young people are incredibly passionate about their music."

Judges

Judges Kevin Wadsworth, BBC Radio Leeds presenter David Hoyle and Sandy Smith were wowed by performances on the night, whilst celebrity judge, Kay Crewdson brought glamour to a panel that expected and were given great music to compare and contrast.

Alex Bray added: "Brass Factor 2015 more than lived up to the high levels set by previous years. Every band raised the bar and presented some exceptional performances on the night.

The packed out audience and judging panel had a very difficult decision, but my congratulations go out to all the bands and the winners in particular."

The performance from the band was simple fantastic — the players really do know how to put on a great showWinning MD, Simon Cowen

Result:
Adjudicators: David Hoyle, Kevin Wadsworth, Sandy Smith
Celebrity Judge: Kay Crewdson

1. Besses o' th' Barn (Simon Cowen)
2. Old Silkstone (Sam Fisher)
3. Slaithwaite (Lee Skipsey)

Other competitors:
Hope Bank Youth (Simon Wood)
Hebden Bridge (Alan Hobbins)
West Yorkshire Police (Dave Collins)

Thanks to: Mark Flynn photography.