Irvine & Dreghorn Brass conducted by Lewis Bettles successfully defended their 'Champion Band' title at the Borders Entertainment Contest.

Each of the competitors had to provide a 15-minute entertainment set for judges Martin Armstrong and Andrew Duncan to consider, as well as a supportive audience at Hawick High School to enjoy.

Scottish duo

Irvine & Dreghorn's winning programme combined the music of two leading Scottish composers — Peter Graham and Alan Fernie, with the band opening with the choreographed presentation of 'Drums of Thunder' and 'Celtic Dreams' from Peter's 'Windows of the World' suite. They then segued into Alan's 'Three Scottish Dances' once again featuring excellent solo and section contributions.

The Best Soloist prize went to Jedforest Instrumental's trombonist Gordon Melrose for his excellent rendition of 'Stardust'. Selkirk Silver's Colin Kemp deservedly took the 'Best Solo Cornet' award, with the percussion accolade going to the fine team from St Ronan's Silver.

Delighted

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We are delighted to have retained the Champion Band title, with everyone working so hard for this success.

It was a great contest day, made all the more memorable by the victory and by also seeing Fraser Kirk win the 'Best Instrumentalist' prize and our basses win their section award and the claim the prizes for deportment and entertainment."

A SBBA spokesperson 4BR: "Our congratulations go to all the bands who took part, creating a fantastic day of brass music in the Borders town."

Result:

1. Irvine & Dreghorn Brass
2. Jedforest Instrumental
3. Broxburn & Livingston
4. Langholm Town
5. Shotts St Patrick
6. Selkirk Silver
7. North Lakes
8. St Ronan's Silver
9. Buckhaven & Methil Miners
10. MacTaggart Scott Loanhead
11. Kirkton Brass Bathgate
12. Peebles Burgh
13. Hawick Saxhorn

Non-competing: Galashiels Town

Best Entertainment: Irvine & Dreghorn Brass
Best Deportment: Irvine & Dreghorn Brass
Best Instrumentalist: Fraser Kirk (Irvine & Dreghorn)
Best Soloist: Gordon Melrose (trombone) — Jedforest Instrumental
Best Solo Cornet: Colin Kemp (Selkirk Silver)
Best Bass Section: Irvine & Dreghorn Brass
Best Percussion: St Ronan's Silver

Highest placed Borders band: Jedforest Instrumental
Best 2nd Section band: Irvine & Dreghorn Brass
Best 3rd Section band: Langholm Town
Best 4th Section band: North Lakes