Carlton Main Frickley Colliery has been crowned French Open Champion following their success in the sweltering heat of Amboise in the Loire Valley on the weekend.

Conducted by Ian Porthouse the Yorkshire band coped brilliantly with the conditions at the Theatre Municipal Beaumarchais as they secured a narrow victory in a high quality contest over Norwegian rivals Krohnengen, with Jersey Premier Brass in third.

It was a result that maintained England's recent stranglehold on the contest — following the successes of Flowers and Reg Vardy in the past two years.

High tempo

The band opened their 20-minute programme with Matthew Hall's high-tempo 'Activate', before principal cornet Kirsty Abbotts showcased her lyrical abilities with 'Papa Can You Hear Me'. The colourful 'Gypsy Dance' was followed by the set-work, Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Equilibrium'.

"It's been a great contest to come to,"Ian Porthouse told 4BR. "Carlton Main has worked so hard over the few weeks to prepare for the event, and despite some logistical hiccups beyond the band's control in getting here, it's been a memorable weekend.

The band played exceptionally well in the conditions and again in the gala concert, so you can imagine they enjoyed a few cool beers to celebrate their well deserved success!"

Carlton also showcased their 'Whit Friday' march skills as they took the open air title with an outstanding rendition of 'Knight Templar'.

The also came under a very strong Nordic challenge from Krohnengen under Allan Withington, who opened with a sparkling rendition of 'Ruslan and Lyudmila'. Tuba player Stale Sviere Johansen claimed the 'Best Soloist Award' with a superb rendition of 'Impromptu for Tuba' by Darrol Barry, before they closed with the set-work.

Meanwhile, Jersey Premier certainly delivered with enthusiastic endeavour with a contrasting set (from 'Abide with Me' to 'Valero') that showed their emerging qualities under the baton of Tim Pritchard.

Belgian success

In the First Division the Belgians of Brass Band Panta Rhie conducted by Tim de Maesener claimed victory in a close contest. Just a point behind came Backum Brass, with former champion ExoBrass in third.

With the MD perilously perched on a small conductor's rostrum they opened with the set-work, 'The Saga of Tyrfing' by Jacob Vilhelm Larsen, before featuring their baritone soloist and closing with the colourful 'Balkan Dance'.

French win

Unfortunately there was no Second Division contest this year, but in the Third it was French representatives Brass Band de la Gorgue that took the title ahead of Gallic rivals and 2016 champion Brass Berry .

Double winners

Meanwhile, in the Fourth Division there was a 'Double' triumph for Regent Community Brass, as led by MD Chris Bearman they retained the French Open title in what was a highly enjoyable all English battle against rivals Blackley and North London Brass.

Following on from their success at qualifying for the National Finals in Cheltenham later this year, they stated on their Facebook page that it had been 'great fun' as they enjoyed themselves with a few well earned celebratory drinks.

Earlier, the Junior title was presented to the excellent sole entrant, Brass Band du CRR de Tours conducted by David Hubert.

The band played exceptionally well in the conditions and again in the gala concert, so you can imagine they enjoyed a few cool beers to celebrate their well deserved success!Ian Porthouse

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicators: Chris Jeans, Luc Vertommen, Norbert Pfammatter

1. Carlton Main Frickley (Ian Porthouse): 118.60
2. Krohnengen (Allan Withington): 117.66
3. Jersey Premier Brass (Tim Pritchard): 107.66

Best Soloist: Stale Sviere Johansen (tuba) — Krohnengen

First Division:

1. Brass Band Panta Rhei (Tim de Maesener): 115.00
2. Backum Brass (Vincent Verhage): 114.00
3. ExoBrass (Renaild Berton): 113.00
4. Carlton Brass (Gary Wyatt): 112.00
5. Brassage Brass Laurent Douve): 111.00

Third Division:

1. Brass Band de la Gorgue (Remi Leconte): 110.00
2. Brass Berry (Olivier Bourgain): 109.00

Fourth Division:

1. Regent Community Brass (Chris Bearman): 108.00
2. Blackley Band (Adrian Smith): 107.00
3. North London Brass (Andrew Brittin): 105.00

Junior Division:

1. Brass Band du CRR de Tours (David Hubert): 108.00

Prix du Public Place Michel Debre: Jersey Premier Brass
Prix du Public Tour Heurtault: Brass Band de la Gorgue

March Contest:

Adjudicator: Peter Collins

1. Carlton Main Frickley — 99
2. Krohnengen — 94
3. Backum Brass — 81
4. Brass Band Panta Rhei — 80
5. Brass Berry — 79
6. Brassage Brass Band — 78
7. Carlton Brass — 73
8. Brass Band de la Gorgue — 68
9. Jersey Premier Brass — 66
10= North London Brass — 65
10= ExoBrass — 65
12. Blackley Band — 61
13. Regent Community Brass — 60
14. Brass Band du CRR de Tours — 51