*
banner

Report & Results: 2018 BBL Festival of Brass

Laganvale leads the spotlight entertainment as they claim Festival of Brass title — with section wins for Ballyduff Silver, Wellington Memorial Silver, 1st Larne Old Boys and 1st Old Boys Youth

Gary Proctor
  Gary Proctor of Downshire Brass certainly provided plenty of entertainment with his band

16 bands produced wonderful entertainment last weekend at the BBL Festival of Brass contest held at the famous Whitla Hall at the School of Arts, English & Languages at Queen's University Belfast.

Bands from both the Republic of Ireland and Scotland made the journey for what proved to be a great day of contesting.

Cracking start

The day got off to a cracking start with the Third Section contenders.

Davi Johnson of Dynamic Brass took the 'Best Soloist' award for his rendition of 'Georgia on my Mind', as Dungannon Silver claimed the 'Most Entertaining Band' accolade. However, it was returning champion Wellington Memorial Silver under conductor David Hawthorne who reclaimed the title, as well as winning the march prize for a cracking account of 'Imperial Echoes'.

In the Second Section event, Andrew Gordon's gorgeous performance of 'Gabriel's Oboe' saw him take the soloist award for Roughan Silver, but it was Ballyduff Silver under Willie Hill who gathered up the rest of the prizes — taking home the best march prize for 'On the Quarter Deck', as well as the 'Most Entertaining Band' trophy.

Unfortunately there was no Fourth Section event, and just one entrant in the Fifth Section, although 1st Larne Old Boys Silver produced a fine overall performance worthy of the prize given.

Excellent youth

There is always a great deal of expectation with the excellent youth contenders, and they certainly didn't disappoint, with the remarkable 1st Old Boys Youth Band led by Jacklin Bingham once again reclaiming the title with a clean sweep of the honours ahead of a fine audience-pleasing programme from Downshire Brass Youth Band.

Louise Bell's stunning rendition of 'First Light' secured her the soloist prize, whilst a tight performance of 'Holyrood' took the march prize on their way to claiming the 'Most Entertaining Band' award.

High class championship

After a short break to allow adjudicators and audience alike to take a breather, the Championship Section saw five bands produce high class entertainment.

1st Old Boys under the direction of Stephen Cairns who took the 'Most Entertaining Band' prize, but it was to be Laganvale's night under new conductor Keith Anderson.

He led the band to the overall honours thanks to the prize winning march, 'The New Colonial' and soprano player Mark Ruddock deservedly claiming the 'Best Soloist' accolade for his performance of 'Legacy'.

The contest organisers were delighted at the success of the event and thanked Dr David Bird, Professor Michael Alcorn and the team at Queen's University for their huge efforts both behind the scenes which helped the event run so smoothly.

1st Old Boys under the direction of Stephen Cairns who took the 'Most Entertaining Band' prize, but it was to be Laganvale's night under new conductor Keith Anderson4BR

Results:


Music Adjudicator: Jim Davies
Entertainment Adjudicator: Beverly Coomber
Music/Entertainment=Total

Championship Section:


1. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Keith Anderson): 10/8=18
2. Downshire Brass (Gary Proctor): 9/9=18
3. 1st Old Boys Silver Band (Stephen Cairns): 8/10=18
4. Third Carrickfergus (Brian Connolly): 7/6=13
5. Lochgelly Silver (Paul McKelvie OBE): 6/7=13

Most Entertaining Band: 1st Old Boys Silver
Best March: Laganvale (Metal Technology)
Best Soloist: Mark Ruddock (Laganvale (Metal Technology)

Second Section:


1. Ballyduff Silver (Willie Hill): 10/10=20
2. Comber Silver (Wesley Thompson): 8/8=16
3. CWA Brass (Ernie Ruddock): 7/9=16
4. Roughan Silver (Stephen Crooks): 9/6=15
5. Navan Silver (Stephen Murray): 6/7=13

Most Entertaining Band: Ballyduff Silver
Best March: Ballyduff Silver
Best Soloist: Andrew Gordon (Roughan Silver)

Third Section:


1. Wellington Memorial Silver (David Hawthorne) 10/9=19
2. Dungannon Silver (Boris Pinto) 9/10=19
3. Dynamic Brass (Harold Whan) 8/8=16

Most Entertaining Band: Dungannon Silver
Best March: Wellington Memorial Silver
Best Soloist: David Johnson (Dynamic Brass)

Fourth Section:


No contest

Fifth Section:


1. 1st Larne Old Boys Silver (Bill Clements) 10/10=20

Most Entertaining Band: 1st Larne Old Boys Silver
Best March: 1st Larne Old Boys Silver
Best Soloist: William Hollinger (1st Larne Old Boys Silver)

Youth Section:


1. 1st Old Boys Youth (Jacklin Bingham) 10/10=20
2. Downshire Brass Youth (Robert Mercer) 9/9=18

Most Entertaining Band: 1st Old Boys Youth
Best March: 1st Old Boys Youth Band
Best Soloist: Louise Bell (1st Old Boys Youth)

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd