Great weather and super music helped make the annual Durham County Brass Band Association 'Picnic in the Park' Entertainment Contest a huge success on the weekend.

Held in the scenic grounds of Houghall College in Durham, adjudicator Dave Roberts told the crowds during the result ceremony that all the bands had chosen "good balanced programmes"and that there was, "some fine solo playing on show".

Very impressed

He also added that he was "very impressed"with the quality of playing from both competing youth bands and that he had "thoroughly enjoyed"his day in Durham.

A fine programme by the in-form Easington Colliery led by Jonathan Fenwick claimed the honours for the third time since 2014.

They opened with 'Mambo' from 'West Side Story', followed by the march 'Knight Templar', the Harry James 'Trumpet Concerto' played by principal cornet Dan Robson, the Miner's Hymn 'Gresford' and 'Dundonnel' from 'Hymn to the Highlands'.

Section winners

Meanwhile, Spennymoor took the 'Section B' honours. They opened with the march 'Star Lake' followed by the euphonium solo, 'With His First Breath', 'Young Amadeus', 'Chicago Rag', 'Swedish Hymn' and 'Prismatic Light'.

The excellent Houghton Area Youth Band carried on their fine current form as they entertained the crowds with the march 'New Colonial', 'Make Me a Channel of Your Peace', the cornet solo, 'Georgia on My Mind' played brilliantly by Ella Renwick, 'The Water is Wide' and 'Lord of the Dance' to take the youth title.

Hugh Stephenson, Vice President of the Association told 4BR: "It was wonderful to see such a big audience and players from non-competing bands supporting the contest. It was another great day of brass band music making in County Durham."

It was wonderful to see such a big audience and players from non-competing bands supporting the contest. It was another great day of brass band music making in County DurhamAssociation Vice-President, Hugh Stephenson

Results:

Section A:

1. Easington Colliery Band (Jonathan Fenwick)
2. Houghton Brass (Lee Morris)
3. Westoe (Jason Smith)
4. NASUWT Concert (Andrew Hall)
5. Bearpark and Esh Colliery (Phillip Tait)
6. Durham Miners Association (Stuart Gray)
7. Valley Brass (Dave Chadwick)
8. Felling (Jason Smith)

Best March: Easington Colliery
Best Soloist: Josh Jones (Valley Brass)
Best Second Section Band: NASUWT Concert

Section B:

1. Spennymoor Town (Fiona Casewell)

Best March: Spennymoor Town
Best Soloist: David Richardson
Best Fourth Section Band: Spennymoor Town

Youth Section:

1. Houghton Area Youth Band (Brian Adams)
2. Hetton Lyons Primary School (Glenis Smith)

Best March: Houghton Area Youth
Best Soloist: Ella Renwick (Houghton Area Youth)