The legendary tenor horn player Gordon Higginbottom became the first recipient of Brass Bands England's Lifetime Achievement Award at the organisation's conference in Sale.

The presentation was made by CEO Kenny Crookston in recognition of the contribution he has made to the brass band movement as a player, conductor, adjudicator and educator.

Nominees for the award included Phil Goodwin of Black Dyke and Delph Band, and player, conductor and adjudicator John Maines.

Innovation and Social Impact

The BBE Innovation Award in recognition at the way an inventive impact has been made on the banding movement was presented to the UniBrass organisation for their inventive approach to the organisation and presentation of their annual championships.

The significant mark made by the first BrassPass.tv 'Band of the Year' contest gained a deserved nomination.

The wonderful work of the Shepherd Group Band in inspiring performers of all levels and abilities in their local community area in the north east of the UK gained the BBE Social Impact Award.

It won through from a list of outstanding nominees in Stephen Tonge of Kearsley Youth Band, teacher Glenis Smith, Grimethorpe Colliery Band's community outreach work and the remarkable leadership of Fred Harrison of Amersham Band.

The wonderful work of the Shepherd Group Band in inspiring performers of all levels and abilities in their local community area in the north east of the UK gained the BBE Social Impact Award4BR

Outstanding Contribution

A special BBE 'Outstanding Contribution to the Brass Band Section' Award was presented to Heidi Bradley for her work in providing the blueprint structure for the hugely successful BandSafe training initiative which has now been utilised by hundreds of bands throughout the UK.