The perfect mix of youthful endeavour and enjoyment was lapped up by a packed audience in the Junior Section of the Action Medical Research Entertainment Championships in Blackpool.

There were stars in the making everywhere; as six smashing ensembles delivered wonderful entertainment in the Arena Theatre — the twinkling ceiling lights marking out the various constellations of the night sky mirroring the sparkling smiles of enjoyment on the faces of a host of little super-nova players as they reveled in the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Event ethos

The ethos of this event, started in 2016, is to encourage participation amid a friendly, supportive environment of competition — something which the organisers have certainly achieved on the evidence provided by these cracking performers and the winners in particular.

Red Admiral Music Academy was formed less than two years ago from pupils of four primary schools in the small Lancashire town of Mawdesley — one that boasts a population of less than 2000 people.

The name is inspired by the abundant butterfly which can be found locally — although in a lovely connection, it was also chosen as it was conductor Danny Brooks grandmother's personal favourite in her own garden.

Perfect name

"It seemed the perfect name for a fledgling band,"Danny told 4BR as his players excitedly took turns in having their pictures taken alongside Paddington Bear with the Brian Halliwell Trophy. "It was my nan's favourite, so as we had to bring together four local primary schools, all with different identities, I thought why not: Everyone loved it."

The results have been just as spectacular with his players — the youngest Sam Laithwaite aged just 4, and with some having only taken up playing in the last school term. They rehearse once a week with adult help, and had been working on their brilliant cartoon film storyline for about a month.

"We thought we would tell the tale of two children who were sent home from band for turning up late and take a surreal wrong turn in direction.

They end up in a land of fairytales with Shrek and the Princess, Disney characters like the Seven Dwarves and cartoon stars like Scooby Do. The children loved the idea, we had so much brilliant help with costumes, especially from Emma Barton, and it all came together on the day. They deserve all the credit — I just enjoyed myself!"

No doubt

There was no doubting that as their trombone player Beth Chippendale took the 'Outstanding Soloist' award for her fantastic musical impersonation of Cruella de Vil from '101 Dalmatians' (which won the 'Most Entertaining Item' award), as the band wowed judges Dave Collins and Alex Bray to take the honours.

In his written remarks Dave stated: "A wonderful musical and narrative story and all should be extremely proud of such a professional show!"Meanwhile, Alex added: "Reflective of what a team performance should be like — everyone getting in on the act."

Those were also the essence of the comments both gave to an appreciative audience before the announcement of the results; each emphasising the positives that should gained from their performances.

They also noted that it was not just the players and the conductors who deserved praise, but the legion of 'hidden helpers' who they knew had put in hours of commitment and dedication to make costumes, scenery, provide travel and support.

West End

Second placed Kearsley Youth Brass rounded off the event with a wonderfully entertaining 'West End' set under Mark Harrison (who encouraged his young players with so much energy himself) that had everything from 'The Lion King' to 'Les Mis', complete with cracking prize-winning vocalist and French tricolor sashes. Their delight at coming runner-up was almost as great as that of the winners.

Meanwhile, contrast was also shown with third placed Wigan Youth Zone with a programme that showcased their mature ensemble and solo music making; starting with the concert work 'Prismatic Light' and closing with the march 'Castle Caerphilly', which gave them the 'Best March' prize.

Pipped

It enabled them to just pip fourth placed local favourites St Kentigern's Catholic Primary Brass, as they produced a fantastic show set (with prize winning stage deportment that would have made the old Saint proud as punch) that encompassed everything from Robbie Williams ('Let Me Entertain You' — naturally!) to Rocky's 'Gonna Fly Now!', which was like hearing a troupe of hyperactive flyweight boxers racing up the steps of Philadelphia Town Hall!

Great fun

There was also plenty of great fun with debutants Wardle Academy Beginners as they produced a cracking little showcase under Gwen Smith, with 'Flying Fingers' and the theme from 'The A Team' leading into a great 'When the Saints' finale, whilst Over Wyre Brass deservedly took the prize for the 'Band Displaying Most Potential'.

Their set included a super vocal performance from tiny-tot Jasmine Squires Evans on 'Abide With Me' accompanied by three cornet bugle calls placed round the hall. There wasn't a dry eye in the house — including the judges!

With the well managed help of the organisers and the obvious enthusiastic support of the audience, not even the sound of teenage magic shows from the next door hall could dampen the sense of enjoyment had by everyone — and especially the brilliant new champion, Red Admiral Music Academy.

The children loved the idea, we had so much brilliant help with costumes, especially from Emma Barton, and it all came together on the day. They deserve all the credit — I just enjoyed myself!Red Admiral Academy MD, Danny Brooks

Result:

Adjudicators: Dave Collins (music) and Alex Bray (entertainment)
Music + Entertainment = Total

1. Red Admiral Music Academy (Danny Brooks): 2/1 = 3
2. Kearsley Youth Brass Band (Mark Harrison): 4/2 = 6
3. Wigan Youth Zone (John Don-Duncan): 1/6 = 7*
4. St. Kentigern's Catholic Primary Brass (Brent Warren): 3/4 = 7
5. Wardle Academy Beginners (Gwen Smith): 5=/3 = 8
6. Over Wyre Brass (John Squires Evans): 5=/5 = 10

*Music mark takes precedence

Outstanding Soloist: Beth Chippendale (trombone) — Red Admiral Music Academy
Most Entertaining Item: Red Admiral Music Academy (Cruella de Vil)
Best March: Wigan Youth Zone
Best Stage Deportment: St. Kentigern's Catholic Primary Brass
Band Displaying Most Potential: Over Wyre Brass
Best Vocal Item: Kearsley Youth Brass