Prof Nicholas Childs has spoken of his delight following the overwhelming success of the Black Dyke Festival held at Leeds Town Hall on the weekend.

The event attracted a record number of participants for the series of tuition workshops held during the day, as well as a packed audience for the afternoon Gala Concert which featured the Queensbury band alongside friends from the Yorkshire Youth Band, Armthorpe Elmfield, BD1, City of Bradford, Delph, Friezland and Royal Buckley Bands.

Resounding success

"It's been a resounding success,"he said. "It really was a showcase for the best of Yorkshire banding and I was delighted that Black Dyke continues to reach out to inspire players of all levels and abilities.

We work so hard to make this the most important event on our domestic calendar and when you see a packed hall enjoying the music making you can see why."

He added: "My thanks got o all those who attended — as individual for the masterclasses to our friends from the local bands and sponsors such as Besson Musical Instruments and Band Supplies who really do make this a special occasion. I can tell you — there is no better feeling than conducting the massed bands when they literally raise the roof!"

The day saw players of all ages join classes led by Black Dyke stars Richard Marshall, Zoe Hancock, Katrina Marzella, Siobhan Bates, Daniel Thomas, Harry Cunningham and guest soloist Les Neish, whilst the Director of Music led a conducting masterclass working on James Curnow's 'Trittico' with the help of the City of Bradford Band.

It really was a showcase for the best of Yorkshire banding and I was delighted that Black Dyke continues to reach out to inspire players of all levels and abilitiesProf Nicholas Childs

Special moment

The concert also featured the world premiere of 'Cinema' — a new work for brass band and organ inspired by the early days of cinematography and composer Philip Wilby's love of the instrument — especially the magnificent example played by Darius Battiwalla that rumbled the foundations of the great Victorian hall. It was commissioned through funding by Arts Council England.

Prof Childs added: "That was a very special moment. Philip Wilby has written a magnificent work that has such an emotional impact. I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck rising as Darius started playing."