*
banner

Report & Result: 2023 Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune

Fishburn claims the inaugural march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.

Fishburn
  Fishburn celebrate in Wetherby after their victory

The Fishburn Band claimed the honours at the inaugural Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune contest.

Led by Duncan Beckley, their performances of William German's march 'The President' and their hymn tune selection of 'Love Unknown' saw them secure the overall title, the £300 first prize as well as gain awards for 'Best Championship Section Band' with John Gill taking the 'Best Instrumentalist' award.

Second place and the Deportment prize went to fellow North of England rivals Harrogate, as they performed 'Knight Templar' and 'Peace', with the final podium spot going to Hebden Bridge who played 'Knight Templar' and 'Prelude on Lavenham'.

Tewit Youth Band also gave a hugely enjoyable pre-contest concert before the contest began.

Didn't we do well

Speaking about their success son their Facebook page Fishburn said: "Didn't we do well!

Under the expert guidance of Duncan Beckley we have been named the overall winner and also walked away with the prizes for Best Championship Section Band and Best Instrumentalist. The winner's banner will take pride of place on the wall of our bandroom."

Enjoyed listening

Adjudicator Gordon Eddison later wrote on his Facebook page: "The 15 bands worked hard to march well as they progressed through the narrow streets then perform a hymn tune and contest march on the stand. I enjoyed listening to every one.

From Championship through the sections to 'unregistered/training' — although perhaps 'development section' might be better — all had much to praise. Thanks for the privilege of allowing me to be the first adjudicator at this inaugural event — it was an honour."

Result:


Adjudicator: Gordon Eddison
Deportment: Robert Stewart

1. Fishburn (Duncan Beckley): 78/79/31.5 = 188.5
2. Harrogate (Craig Ratcliffe): 74/75/34 = 183
3. Hebden Bridge (Christopher Binns): 76/77/28 = 181
4. Reg Vardy (Chris Shanks): 70/74/33.5 = 177.5
5. Kippax (James Beecham): 73/78/24 = 175
6. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall): 71/72/30.5 = 173.5
7. Garforth Brass (John Thompson): 67/68/28.5 = 163.5
8. Wetherby & District Silver (Craig Ratcliffe): 61/69/33 = 163
9= Barnsley Brass (Ben Brickles): 66/70/23.5 = 159.5
9= Shepherd Group Academy (Craig Brown): 65/62/32.5 = 159.5
11. Old Silkstone (N/K): 68/65/23 = 156
12. Wakefield Metropolitan (N/K): 60/64/31 = 155
13. Maltby Miners Welfare (N/K): 63/66/25.5 = 154.5
14. Knaresborough Silver (Nicholas Garrett): 57/58/25 = 140
15. Garforth Training (N/K): 56/56/20 = 132

Best Instrumentalist: John Gill (cornet) — Fishburn Band

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


the cooperation band

World Cup preview for the cooperation band

July 4 • Scotland is still in the draw for the brass band version of the World Cup — and you can hear how they are putting the final preparations in place ahead of Kerkrade.


Tredegar Carys

Essence of Tredegar enjoyed by young euph player

July 4 • 19 year old Carys Rycroft recently enjoyed her prize of a solo spotlight at a rehearsal with Tredegar Band.


Van den berg

Soli connection to come to an end

July 4 • The musical partnership between Anne Van den Berg and Soli Brass will come to an end after this year's Dutch National Championships.


wOOLSTON bRASS

Woolston Band on the rise again

July 4 • New Zealand's most successful band is getting ever closer to putting the final touches to its future home.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Air Force Squadronaires

Friday 3 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Cross Keys Silver Band

July 2 • Solo Euphonium - With an array of concerts, contests and community engagements lined up for the remainder of 2026, we're looking to fill our Solo Euphonium seat. If you're the strong player that we're interested in, please get in touch.


Cross Keys Silver Band

July 2 • Solo Horn - We're looking to recruit a new Solo Horn player to help shape the section in our 2nd section band in South Wales. We have an array of concerts, contests and community engagements lined up for the remainder of 2026.


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd