Sunday saw the annual Hardraw Scar Brass Band Festival take place in the magnificent waterfall setting in the heart of Wensleydale.

Despite the rather inclement weather meaning that the performances had to take place under cover for the first time in over a decade, the frequent showers did nothing to deter the enthusiastic audience who travelled from far and wide to be richly entertained by the 12 competitors.

Keeping wet

The event is organised by the Yorkshire & Humberside Brass Band Association with the generous support of the local Theakstons Brewery who ensured excellent refreshment for players and audience was always in supply.

Best bands

Adjudicator Mareika Gray noted that the best bands had quickly adapted to the balance and dynamic requirements of the venue, with the top prize in Section B (Third/Fourth/Unregistered bands) went to Leyburn Band directed by Rebecca Lundberg, who also took the prizes for 'Best Solo', 'Best March by an Ungraded Band' and 'Best Basses'.

The awards for the 'Best March' and 'Best Hymn' went to second placed Ferryhill, whilst Tingley claimed the 'Best Fourth Section' award in third overall.

First time winner

In Section A, welcome first time visitors J36 Brass conducted by Andrew Warriner took the overall honours as well as the prizes for 'Best Solo' and 'Best Hymn', with Old Hall Brass a point behind in second. They took the 'Best March' accolade.

The 'Most Entertaining Programme' award, decided by Katherine Bradshaw and Ed Hathaway from the UniBrass organising committee, went to third placed Harrogate.

The contest will return to the foot of the famous Hardraw Force waterfall on the 9th of September 2018 — when hopefully the sun will shine once more.

In Section A, welcome first time visitors J36 Brass conducted by Andrew Warriner took the overall honours as well as the prizes for 'Best Solo' and 'Best Hymn'4BR

Results:

Adjudicator: Mareika Gray

Section A:

1. J36 (Andrew Warriner) — 195
2. Old Hall Brass — 194
3. Harrogate — 193
4. Tintwistle — 190
5. Valley Brass (Haydock) — 187

Best Solo: J36 Brass
Best Hymn: J36 Brass
Most Entertaining Programme: Harrogate

Section B:

1. Leyburn Band (Rebecca Lundberg) — 192
2. Ferryhill Town — 191
3. Tingley — 189
4. Coleshill Youth — 188
5. Shepherd Group Concert Brass — 186
6. Knaresborough Silver — 185
7. Sale Brass — 184

Best Solo: Leyburn Band
Best March (unregistered): Leyburn Band
Best Basses: Leyburn Band
Best March: Ferryhill Town
Best Hymn: Ferryhill Town
Best Fourth Section: Tingley