The recent Denby Pottery Village 'Brass on the Grass' entertainment contest certainly had it all.

In fact, in addition to the wonderful hand crafted pottery trophies, there were parrots, pints, prosecco and plenty of great brass band music making, with the wonderful weather attracting a great crowd to come along and listen.

Great entertainment

The 12 bands certainly provided plenty of great entertainment to go along with the other added attractions of a BBQ, crepe stall, waffles and superb ceramics on sale in the pottery shop, with the audience also taking the chance to lay out their picnic rugs and deckchairs on the grass.

The event was broken into three sections: Nationally graded First and Second; Third and Fourth and a progressive section for Village and Community bands, all adjudicated by Mareika Grey.

High standard

The standard of playing throughout the day was very high with a sparkling Leicester Co-operative declared 2017 Pottery Village Champion Band, with section awards going to Shirland Miners Welfare and Shirland Miners Welfare Training.

The youngest player was 4 year old Jorga Pegg of Long Eaton Training Band, whilst the broadest smile of the day certainly belonged to Graham Jacklin, MD of Leicestershire Co-operative, who not only directed the champion band busy also picked up the 'Best Compere' award as well.

Wonderful day

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It was a wonderful day with plenty of great attractions and entertainment. Our special thanks got to Newstead Brass and Long Eaton Silver Prize for providing the percussion equipment and music stands, and to adjudicator Mareika Gray and Kirk Turner from the Ratby Band for his assistance."

The youngest player was 4 year old Jorga Pegg of Long Eaton Training Band, whilst the broadest smile of the day certainly belonged to Graham Jacklin, MD of Leicestershire Co-operative4BR

Results:

Section A:

1. Leicester Co-operative (Graham Jacklin)
2. Carlton Brass (Gary Wyatt)
Best Soloist: Carol Smith (Kibworth)

Section B:

1. Shirland Miners Welfare (Lynden Cooper)
2. Ilkeston Brass (Geoff Hawley)
Best Soloist: Luke Newborough (Shirland Miners Welfare)

Section C:

Village and Community Band Section
1. Prize Shirland Training (Ian Beckett)
2. Brassington Middleton Wirksworth (Sarah Fellows)
Best Soloist: Megan Hulme (Horn) — Brassington Middleton Wirksworth

Other Prizes:
Most Entertaining Band: Leicester Co-operative
Best Compare: Graham Jacklin (Leicester Co-operative)
Youngest Player: Jorga Pegg (aged 4) — Long Eaton Training Band