The Cory Online Brass Band Championships reaches its climax this weekend when 35 contenders in the Fourth/Unregistered and Championship Sections spotlight their entertainment programmes for viewers across the world to enjoy.
And the event has already been a great global success, with well over 31,000 brass band lovers tuning in to enjoy the fantastic playing provided by the competitors in the First, Second and Third Sections.
Thrilled
The initiative has been supported by Arts Council Wales, and sponsored by Kapitol, Wright & Round, Besson, World of Brass, Thurrock Marching Brass and Indoor Music games, with Cory MD Philip Harper telling 4BR that he has been thrilled by the musical quality and presentational innovation that has been on display.
He told 4BR: "It's already been a fascinating first weekend and we were bowled over by the creativity and imagination showed by the bands.
It was really heart-warming to see the bands having so much fun too — something which we've all had to completely redefine in recent months of course!
The competition has been fantastic and really tight at the top for all the competitions so far. It's been such a difficult but enjoyable task for the judges — each arriving at their separate decision before we combine scores to give the final results."
Across the globe
Phil added: "In the current void created by cancellations of events and concerts we've been delighted to put these contests on and, judging by the live comments on YouTube, the music has been thoroughly enjoyed by everyone across the globe."
The final two sections of entertainment will take place this weekend with the results of all contests announced straight after.
It's already been a fascinating first weekend and we were bowled over by the creativity and imagination showed by the bandsCory MD, Philip Harper
Fourth/Unregistered Section:
Friday 25th September
Start: 5.00pm (BST)
20 bands
Adjudicators: Steve Stewart, Helen Williams, Steve Jones
1. Test Valley Brass
2. Askam Town Silver Band
3. Amington Band
4. Fakenham Town Band
5. London City Brass
6. Royston Town Band
7. Cross Keys Silver
8. Woodhouse Prize Band
9. King's Lynn Town Band
10. Poyntzpass Silver Band
11. Simply Brass
12. University of Bristol Brass Band
13. Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy
14. Dungannon Silver Band
15. The Camping and Caravanning Club Brass Band
16. Blackley Band
17. Gresley Colliery Youth Band
18. Holmestrand brass
19. Ashover Brass Band
20. Whit Spirit
Championship Section:
Saturday 26th September
Start: 5.00pm (BST)
15 bands
Adjudicators: Tom Hutchinson, Nigel Seaman, Simon Howell
1. Glenferrie Brass
2. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1 Band
3. Enderby Band
4. Leyland Band
5. Easington Colliery Band
6. Hitchin Band
7. Langley Band
8. Strata Brass
9. Elland Silver Band
10. Fountain City Brass Band
11. Michelmersh Silver Band
12. Brass Band Leieland
13. Redbridge Brass
14. Whitburn
15. The GUS Band
Highlights:
Second and Third Section:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGS7GsFnyEA
First Section:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JCYA8pBxkI