Dronfield Genquip took the honours at a highly entertaining 61st North East Derbyshire District Brass Band Festival.

Three bands were invited to perform at the annual event held at Dronfield Sports Centre, with Dronfield joined by local rivals Bakewell Silver and Shirebrook Miners Welfare Band to see who would claim T.H. Hallworth Challenge Trophy.

Well appreciated

Their efforts were well appreciated by the audience who gave each a standing ovation, with local councillor Carol Huckerby, Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council saying: "We were treated to an incredible evening of brass which wowed the audience."

During the event money was raised for the councillor's appeal in aid of local charity Sheffield Children's Hospital PACT (Parents Association of Children with Tumours and Leukaemia).

Dronfield warmed up for their forthcoming appearance at the Bolsover Festival of Brass with their winning programme, that opened with the fizz of Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Home of Legends' and was followed by the 'Best Soloist' award winner Adrian Wileman with an outstanding soprano cornet performance of 'Bring Him Home'.

Well thought out

There was plenty of fun to be had with 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy', whilst the warm sounds of 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square' led in to the impressive finale of 'Les We Forget', which led to adjudicator describing it as "A very well thought out programme and well directed by the MD."

it led to adjudicator describing it as, "A very well thought out programme and well directed by the MD."4BR

Result:

1. Dronfield Genquip (Damian Wileman)
2. Shirebrook Miners Welfare
3. Bakewell Silver

Best Soloist: Adrian Wileman (soprano) — Dronfield Genquip
Best Trombone Section: Shirebrook Miners Welfare
Most Entertaining Band: Shirebrook Miners Welfare