There was a fine turn out of bands and plenty of great music performed at the popular Brass@Beamish March & Hymn Tune contest in the grounds of Beamish Open Air Museum near Stanley in County Durham on the weekend.

Easington victory

Easington Colliery took the Section A honours thanks in part to a fine rendition of their march choice of 'Knight Templar' by the great George Allen, closely followed by GT Group Peterlee, who topped the hymn tune element with their performance of 'Prelude on Lavenham' by Geoffrey Nobes.

Bearpark & Esh continue to build on their confident 2019 form by taking the Section B honours with fine performances of the march, 'Ravenswood' and the hymn tune, 'Gresford'. The Youth title went to Houghton Area Youth as they gave excellent renditions of 'Star Lake' and 'Hymn to the Fallen'.

High standard

Adjudicator Mike Kilroy told 4BR: "The playing was of a consistent high standard with the hymn tunes a particular highlight.

The winning bands in all sections were excellent and it was pleasing to hear so many performances underpinned by good basic musical principles. It was a good day of music making, very well organised and relaxed for the bands and the audience."

Presentations

Presentations were also made to Susan Hayton, Tony and Pauline Thompson to recognise over 50 years service to the brass band movement.

Hugh Stephenson, Vice President of the Association added: "We would like to acknowledge the financial support we receive from Beamish Museum as well as the great commitment from the bands and conductors in entertaining the appreciative audience."

He added: "Our thanks also go to St David's Brass from Midlothian for making the trip for the first time and the cooperation from North of England bands to assist with chaperone arrangements around Child Licensing needs."

The Association's next event is the 'Picnic in the Park' Entertainment contest, sponsored by Geneva Instruments. It will be held on Sunday 7th July (10.30am start) in the grounds of Houghall College on the outskirts of Durham City.

The playing was of a consistent high standard with the hymn tunes a particular highlightMike Kilroy

Results:
Section A:

1. Easington Colliery Band (Jonathan Fenwick)
2. GT Group Peterlee (Graeme Tindall)
3. Durham Miners Association (Stuart Gray)
4. Ferryhill Town (Gareth Sykes)
5. St David's Brass (John Dickson)
6. Ashington Colliery (Nigel Steadman)

Section B:

1. Bearpark & Esh Colliery Band (Phillip Tait)

Youth Section:

1. Houghton Area Youth (Glenis Smith)