Although the initial wet weather made for a little bit of a damp squish under foot at the start of proceedings, the inaugural Denby Pottery Village contest in Derbyshire soon enjoyed plenty of sunshine to help warm up competitors, supporters and adjudicator Mareika Gray alike.

Stylish

The Training Band Section saw Shirland Training and Long Eaton provide excellent entertainment to open, with Shirland eventually coming out on top under MD, Ian Beckett.

A stylishly played set, which contained a measured march performance of 'True and Trusty', a cracking prize-winning 'Sugar Blues' solo by Gabrielle Moakes and some lovely lyricism in 'Calon Lan' was rounded off with a splendidly cheeky 'Punchinellie' — a great mash-up of the famous march and 'Nellie the Elephant'.

Long Eaton also did themselves proud under Sharon Stansfield — with a remarkable 45 players under her baton.

10 year old cornet soloist Ruby Walters gave a great rendition of 'Sunshine of Your Smile' — perfectly timed to coincide with the sun peeping through the clouds, whilst the band also contained the youngest player of the day in 9 year old Hannah Dennis.

Kibworth panache

The senior contest was won by Kibworth Band, who rounded off a highly enjoyable day with a set played with power, confidence and panache under the direction Dave Holling.

'Prismatic Light', 'White Tie, Top Hat and Tails' arranged by the MD, the emotive music to the film 'The 49th Parallel' and a great solo spot by Many Holling ensured that they became the first band to carry away the unique Denby Pottery winner's trophy (above).

Lycra clad

Shirland Miners Welfare certainly pushed their rivals all the way to the finishing line under Lynden Cooper, with a 'Most Entertaining' prize winning set that was well worth the wait for their intrepid flugel player Dave Hill, who took to the stage in his fetching lycra cycling gear after just completing a 50 mile charity bike ride!

'Palladio' was followed by some lovely horn playing on 'The Swan' by the talented youngster Luke Newborough, as well as Shostakovich's 'Valse No2' to the Pharrell Williams foot-tapping 'Happy'.

Best Soloist

Hucknall & Linby's eclectic set, which included a cracking solo spot from Emma Walton on 'Rusalka's Song to the Moon' and Paolo Nutini's 'Pencil full of Lead' certainly made a mark, whilst there was a great deal to enjoy in the programmes of Long Eaton and Oddfellows Brass — including Jack Rudin of Oddfellows taking a deserved 'Best Soloist' prize for his performance of 'Donegal Bay'.

Oddfellows also included perhaps the most appropriate piece of the day, with the great old ELO hit, 'Mr Blue Sky'.

Great day

Adjudicator Mareika Gray certainly enjoyed herself, later telling 4BR: "What a great day. The standard of the bands was very high and all were well prepared and entertaining. The solo playing in particular was top drawer and made for a tough decision.

I think more bands should look out for this contest next year — it's so well run, friendly and the sun shines!"

With plenty of other attractions at the Denby Pottery to enjoy, as well as great food and liquid refreshments, the well-supported event also raised a great deal of money for the Macmillan Cancer Charity.

What a great day. The standard of the bands was very high and all were well prepared and entertaining. The solo playing in particular was top drawer and made for a tough decisionAdjudicator, Mareika Gray

Results:
1. Kibworth (David Holling)
2. Shirland Welfare (Lynden Cooper)
3= Hucknall & Linby (Rob Boulter)
3= Long Eaton Silver (Sharon Stansfield)
3= Oddfellows Brass

Soloist Prize: Jack Rudin (baritone) — Oddfellows Brass
Most Entertaining Band: Shirland Welfare
Best Compere: Lynden Cooper (Shirland Welfare)

Pottery Village Best Training Band: Shirland Training (Ian Beckett)
Pottery Village Runner-up: Long Eaton Training (Sharon Stansfield)
Best Soloist: Gabrielle Moakes (Shirland Training)
Youngest Player: Hannah Dennis (Long Eaton Training)