The Brass Band League Northern Ireland has announced its Band of the Year awards.

The presentations were due to be made at the annual Spring Festival event this month but which was unfortunately cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Performances

The awards reflect the respective performances of bands in the Northern Ireland contests held throughout the previous year. Each section winner will be presented an award with the overall winners taking the Haughton Cup.

As the presentations couldn't be made in person this year, the awards were announced by video (with a nice touch of presentational fun) at:
https://www.facebook.com/brassbandleague/videos/3217850914912394/

Section Awards:

Overall: 1st Old Boys Band
Championship Section: 1st Old Boys Band
Second Section: CWA Brass
Third Section: Dynamic Brass
Fourth & Fifth Section: Poyntzpass Silver Band

Sad news

There was however much sadder news to report with the passing of Poyntzpass Silver Band's conductor, Bobby Davidson, a musician and friend held in the greatest respect and affection the banding community.

Whilst lockdown regulations mean no contesting is imminent, the following events remain in the calendar if and when there is an appropriate easing of restrictions.

The awards reflect the respective performances of bands in the Northern Ireland contests held throughout the previous year4BR

Potential future events

Festival of Brass: Saturday 28th November 2020 at the Island Centre, Lisburn
Solos and Ensembles: Saturday 13th February 2021 at Malone Presbyterian Church Halls, Belfast
Brass in Concert: Friday and Saturday 5th and 6th March 2021 at the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown
Spring Festival: Saturday 24th April 2021, at The Strule Arts Theatre, Omagh