Although the contesting calendar has stopped across the banding world there was some action to catch up on before the restrictions came into force due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

On the weekend of the 6th/7th March the Brass Band League of Northern Ireland held their annual Brass in Concert Entertainment Championships at the Valley Hotel in Fivemiletown, County Tyrone.

After a well received concert on the Friday evening featuring six local bands, Saturday saw 14 contenders compete across their respective sections.

High standard

Despite the inclement weather outside, inside there was a great atmosphere and a high standard of playing on show for the audience and adjudicators Gary Davies (Music), and Lisa Clarke (Entertainment).

Both later remarked about the thoughtfulness of the programming and overall high standard of music-making.

There were strong performances from all the competitors — as reflected in the overall results.

Championship win

The Championship Section title was eventually claimed by 1st Old Boys Band as they gained a higher mark for their musical excellence from Gary Davies to pip rivals Laganvale (Metal Technology) with Downshire Brass just a point behind in third. It was the defending champion's eighth victory at the event since 2010.

The closeness of the result was also emphasised as Downshire gained top marks in entertainment category, Laganvale took the 'Best March' prize for their rendition of 'The Contestor' with 1st Old Boys solo trombone player Nathan Moore taking the 'Best Soloist' accolade.

Roughan win

In the Second Section Roughan Silver carried on their fine form at the event as they secured a clean sweep of the prizes, winning the 'Best March' ('The Cornish Cavalier'), 'Best Soloist' (Andrew Gordon) and 'Most Entertaining Band' along the way from rivals Wellington Memorial Silver and CWA Brass.

Dynamic Brass took the Third Section honours from Dungannon Silver — also securing a triple crown of prizes, whilst Poyntzpass Silver topped the Fourth Section.

The Championship Section title was eventually claimed by 1st Old Boys Band as they gained a higher mark for their musical excellence from Gary Davies to pip rivals Laganvale (Metal Technology)4BR

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicators: Gary Davies (Music); Lisa Clarke (Entertainment)
Music + Entertainment = Total

1. 1st Old Boys: 10+8 = 18*
2. Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band: 9+9 = 18
3. Downshire Brass: 7+10 = 17
4. Third Carrickfergus Silver: 8+7 = 15
5. Strabane Brass: 6+6 = 12
6. Murley Silver Band: 5+5 = 10

Best March: Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band
Best Soloist: Nathan Moore (1st Old Boys)
Most Entertaining Band: Downshire Brass

Second Section:

Music + Entertainment = Total

1. Roughan Silver: 10+10 = 20
2. Wellington Memorial Silver: 9+8 = 17
3. CWA Brass: 7+9 = 16
4. Comber Silver: 8+7 = 15

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

Third Section:

Music + Entertainment = Total

1. Dynamic Brass: 10+10 = 20
2. Dungannon Silver Band: 9+9 = 18

Best March: Dynamic Brass
Best Soloist: David Johnson (Dynamic Brass)
Most Entertaining Band: Dynamic Brass

Fourth Section:

Music + Entertainment = Total

1. Poyntzpass Silver: 10+10 = 20

Best March: Poyntzpass Silver
Best Soloist: James Shaw (Poyntzpass Silver)
Most Entertaining Band: Poyntzpass Silver