The Brass Band League of Northern Ireland (BBL) recently returned to the Alley Theatre in Strabane to present its annual Spring Festival contest with the support of the North West Music Festival.

In the Championship Section, a confident 1st Old Boys under Stephen Cairns claimed a commanding victory and the 'Band of the Day' Rothman Trophy with a stunning performance of 'Blackout' by Thomas Doss — finishing three points ahead of rivals Laganvale (Metal Technology) with Downshire Brass a point further back in third.

Blackpool

1st Old Boys now head to the Senior Trophy contest in Blackpool boosted by an excellent success, and with adjudicator Nigel Boddice particularly impressed by the trombone and percussion teams who took the 'Best Section' awards for their fine efforts, whilst the MD took the conductor laurels.

Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band certainly showed that they will also be a band to watch out for at the Winter Gardens with their solid rendition of 'James Cook — Circumnavigator', whilst Downshire also delivered a well worked rendition of 'Salome'.

Cornet player Claire Hueston of Third Carrickfergus deservedly claimed the 'Best Instrumentalist' award for her outstanding performance on the band's own-choice selection of 'Variations on a Ninth'.

CWA Brass top

In the Second Section the honours went to CWA Brass, directed by Ernest Ruddock, for their colourful performance of 'Oceans', with their principal cornet Jackie Moore picking up the 'Best Instrumentalist' award. They beat rivals Ballyduff Silver, who performed 'Music for a Festival', by a comfortable three-point margin.

Wellington Memorial Silver took the top spot in the Third Section under new conductor Gary Proctor, whilst the Fourth Section honours went to Poyntzpass Silver directed by Dessie Watson with a vibrant account of 'Shalom!' by Philip Sparke.

Schools winners

In the School Band and Youth Sections, the top honours went to Omagh Academy Brass Band (Ronan McKee) and Laganvale Youth Band (Andrew Pentland) respectively.

Thrilled

Adjudicator Nigel Boddice MBE reported on a great day of music making by all the competitors and commented: "I was thrilled by the younger bands from the youth and schools section and the young flugel horn soloist in particular.

There were some great own choice music chosen in the adult sections from Thomas Doss to Gilbert Vinter and from Philip Sparke to Gareth Wood and some splendid endeavour in all performances to enjoy.

My thanks and good wishes for continued development go to all the competitors."

There were some great own choice music chosen from Thomas Doss to Gilbert Vinter and from Philip Sparke to Gareth Wood and some splendid endeavour in all performances to enjoyNigel Boddice MBE

Results:
Championship Section:
Adjudicator: Nigel Boddice

1. 1st Old Boys Silver (Stephen Cairns) — 192
2. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks) — 189
3. Downshire Brass (Michael Alcorn) — 188
4. Three Rivers Brass Noel Brass) — 187
5. Third Carrickfergus Silver (Desmond Graham) — 186
6. Murley Silver (William Hill) — 185

Best Soloist: Claire Hueston (Third Carrickfergus)
Best Percussion: 1st Old Boys Silver
Best Trombone Section: 1st Old Boys Silver Band
Winning Conductor: Stephen Cairns (1st Old Boys)

Second Section:
1. CWA Brass (Ernest Ruddock) — 185
2. Ballyduff Silver (William Hill) — 182

Best Soloist: Jackie Moore (CWA)
Winning Conductor: Ernie Ruddock (CWA)

Third Section:
1. Wellington Memorial Silver (Gary Proctor) — 83
2. Comber Silver Band (Wesley Thompson) — 82
3. St Mark's Silver (James Parks) — 81

Best Trombone Section: Comber Silver Band

Fourth Section:
1. Poyntzpass Silver (Dessie Watson) — 78

School Bands:
1. Omagh Academy Brass (Ronan McKee) — 80

Youth Bands:
1. Laganvale Youth (Andrew Pentland) — 85