Stannington Band warmed up nicely for their forthcoming appearance at the Bolsover Festival of Brass Championships this weekend with a commanding victory at the 59th North East Derbyshire District Council contest at Dronfield Leisure Centre.

Winning programme

Conducted by Derek Renshaw, their winning programme opened with the high-tempo 'Salsa Tres Prado', before following on with Ellen Quane's outstanding rendition of 'Capriccio Brillante' on horn. Contrasts came with 'Lullaby' and 'Faith', before the finale of Alan Fernie's arrangement of 'The Old Rugged Cross'.

It enabled the band to claim T. H. Hallsworth Trophy and £400 first prize for the first time since 2014 and deny reigning champion Shirebrook Miners Welfare a chance of making it five wins in a row.

Best Soloist

They in turn took home the N.E.D.D.C. Shield and £300, with third place and the George Fern Memorial Trophy along with £150 going to the third band in the invitation event, Dronfield (Genquip). The prize as 'Best Soloist' went to Ruth Cartlidge of Shirebrook for her super rendition of Roy Newsome's 'Bass in the Ballroom'.

Adjudicator Duncan Beckley commended each of the bands on their performances.

Result:

Adjudicator: Duncan Beckley

1. Stannington (Derek Renshaw) — 189
2. Shirebrook Miners Welfare (Colum J O'Shea) — 185
3. Droinfield (Genquip) (Damien Wileman) — 181

Best Soloist: Ruth Cartlidge (tuba) — Shirebrook Miners Welfare