A day of expected celebration and unfortunate commiseration saw a triple hat-trick of Championship Section titles for Foden's and the disqualification of first placed Darwen Brass in the Fourth Section, as the 2025 Regional Championship series got underway in Blackpool.

For the Sandbach band victory was yet another accolade in their North West hegemony, despite not performing at their very best. For Darwen, with a performance described by the judges as "musically sophisticated", it could forever remain a cruel reminder of a second Area title erased from their record books.

Elsewhere, an impressive Tyldesley returned to Cheltenham for a second successive year in claiming the First Section honours, whilst Middleton grabbed possession of the Second Section trophy for the first time since 2018.

Dobcross Silver continued their resurgence in setting an unbeatable marker to secure the Third Section, whilst Red Admiral showed respectful consideration in belatedly being declared Fourth Section winner.

Championship Section:

Few would have bet against Foden's led by Russell Gray returning to their rehearsal home for the last time (they are in the process of finding a new base) with the top section silverware in tow before a 'Diversions' note was blown in the Opera House on Sunday afternoon.

After they had played it was a slightly different matter though; the deeply embedded tonal quality and balance (as well as 'Best Principal Cornet' contribution of Mark Wilkinson) interrupted with occasional untidiness and moments ensemble unease.

Perhaps the safety-net of pre-qualification had blunted the sharpest competitive edge, but it was a ninth consecutive success (still a little way short of Ever Ready's record) obtained not without some degree of apprehension.

Even Russell Gray later admitted to 4BR that despite thoroughly enjoying working on the piece, he wasn't "totally sure" they has perhaps done enough on the day top secure a 27th Area win, and his eighth with them, as a confident Leyland led by Daniel Brooks pushed them close immediately after with a performance of vibrant drive and fine solo leads.

Slow burner

In what was a 'slow-burner' in terms of defined Albert Hall contenders, it was Oldham Band (Lees) and a fist-pumping John Collins that claimed the second qualification spot as they set the marker immediately prior to Foden's.

Although closely batched in the draw, a trio with very different contest approaches will deservedly head to Kensington Gore in October. Foden's remain the standard bearer of North West excellence — although one that will be tested even more severely in the heat of a very different contesting crucible at the European Championships in Stavanger in May.

Leyland though continue to inch closer with substantive steps, whilst Oldham Band (Lees) navigates its own individual approach to success.

Behind the clear podium finishers came the consistent pairing of Pemberton Old Wigan DW and Milnrow — both continuing to impress under conductors Ryan Watkins and Christopher Binns, whilst a misfiring KDNS Fairey ended a disappointing sixth — their lowest Area finish in living memory.

Detailed assessment

Prior to the results, adjudicator Dr Robert Childs (joined by Andrea Price) gave a typically detailed assessment of what the duo were looking for and what they had heard in the box. Any preconceived thoughts about the difficulty of Derek Bourgeois' 'Diversions' he said would have been dispelled very quickly when bands started to work on it in detail.

The challenges he said "were evident" in terms of clarity, precision, balance and tempi choices. Percussion requirements, although sparse by modern standards were still important — the heavy-handed tam-tam playing from some at the end of the second movement a case in point.

Tip top

The top two gave the closely matched 'tip-top"performances they needed to consider for the destination of the title, with Oldham Band (Lees) securing their Albert Hall passage with clarity and substance. At the other end "four of five"struggled with the deceptive technical and musical elements of the score.

Few complaints then from the remaining contenders, each never quite sounding fully at ease with the piece, whilst for Longridge and Wingates their result meant relegation to the First Section.

First Section:

An equally deceptive challenge faced the 17 contenders in the Pavillion Theatre on Morley Calvert's 'Introduction, Elegy & Caprice' — a work that also fully justified its selection by the Kapitol Music Panel.

Leigh Baker and Anne Crookston found much to ponder as well as compare and contrast in a contest later courteously described by Leigh as being "variable" in quality, as bands were tested to the full by a score demanding stylistic insight as well as technical proficiency.

Transparent facets

"The piece has so many different transparent facets," he said. "Every band found the demands challenging. It was variable in standard. The soloists generally did well but control of the quiet ensemble dynamics, maintaining the flow in central section and precision of quaver and semi-quaver patterns were the main issues that cropped up time and again."

Leigh pinpointed rehearsal figures 8 and 18 in highlighting a brace of challenges caught in the judges spotlight, whilst it said much that simple consistency in delivery over the three movements became an increasing marker in their deliberations.

Uber confident

It was an uber-confident Tyldesley that set the quality marker off the number 1 draw to secure their place back at Cheltenham for a second successive year. It was the band's second Area title, a decade after winning the Second Section, and further confirmation of the progress made under the baton of MD, Neil Samuel.

The cry that greeted the announcement of their victory could have been heard at the other end of the Blackpool Mile as they looked forward to a night of celebration on what they said on their Facebook page was, "a historic win".

Celebrations

Celebrations too for Freckleton (also promoted to the Championship Section for 2026) and Diggle, as they displayed their quality under MDs Adam Taylor and Sean Conway to join the trip down the motorway to Cheltenham in September — Diggle for the third year in a row.

Behind them 2023 Second Section National Champion Whitworth Vale & Healey continued their incremental progress under Michael Goulding as they finished fourth, ahead of Valley Brass (Haydock) and Roberts Bakery.

Few complaints you feel from the rest of a severely tested field of rivals as a work of academic rigour and stylistic nuance maintained its elegant, if sobering bite. It may well become a familiar mark heard in the coming weeks.

Second Section:

Oliver Waespi's 'Friendly Takeover' provided an engaging prelude to the Championship Section battle in the Opera House.

It also provided adjudicators Martin Hartfield and Stan Lippeatt with a transparent score to examine as the bands set about balancing the pulsating colour and excitement with precision, dynamic and textured relevance to claim their place at Cheltenham.

Pitfalls and challenges

Martin ensured everyone knew what the experienced pairing were listening out in a detailed address that pinpointed both the technical "pitfalls and challenges"that arose from tempi and dynamic choices, as well as the need to "show expression"in solo lines. A key element was the central 'Ballad' section that provided the work's style and tempo axis.

He later confirmed to 4BR consistency was again a key requirement, and as a result it made their comparison process one that offered them, "quite an easy decision".

The clear top-three qualifiers came with a finely proportioned account from Middleton Band led by ex-Grimethorpe cornet player, Jamie Cooper, Eagley conducted by the experienced Chris Wormald, and Liverpool (formerly Formby) under David McGlynn — who enjoyed a day to savour by also playing with Oldham Band (Lees).

Stylish authority

Middleton returned to the National Final for the first time since 2018 (when they won the title) thanks to a performance on what they called "a special day"on their Facebook page, of stylish authority that further confirmed their rejuvenation since Jamie Cooper took the baton in 2023.

Eagley's Cheltenham return for the first time since 2021 also came courtesy of an informed approach (gaining promotion to the First Section in 2026) whilst Liverpool will make their third National Final appearance in four years thanks to their consistent account.

The remaining top-six places were claimed by solid performances Bollington Brass, Morecambe and Old Hall Brass, whilst at the other end of the results table, VBS Poynton and Allerton were relegated to the Third Section.

Third Section:

The evocative sounds of the wide expanse of the American mid-west were heard in the intimate surroundings of the Spanish Hall as Jacob de Haan's 'Arkansas' provided an enjoyable test of the qualifying credentials of the 14 Third Section contenders (Besses o' th' Barn withdrew prior to the contest).

It also offered an expansive musical canvas for judges Nicholas Garman and Paul Norley to compare the challengers on — led by an outstanding winning performance from newly crowned champion Dobcross Silver.

Clear winner

"All the bands gave committed performances and all of them told the story," Nicholas Garman told 4BR. "There was good percussion playing that was well balanced and not overpowering, and all the soloists did well."

He added: "The winners were clear with an excellent trombone section. The detail was helped by consistent tempos. They really got the feel of the music towards the end. Second and third place were close, but were also clear qualifiers."

The victory was the latest success for a band making solid progress under MD, Jason M Smith — the win (and taking the 'Best Basses ' prize) marking their return to Cheltenham for the first time since 2022.

Reflecting on their success the band stated: "A fantastic day was had by all — and a massive thank you goes to our conductor who left no stone unturned in his preparations leading up to the day."

Quality challengers

The North West will be sending three high quality contenders to Cheltenham.

Rivington & Adlington provided a fine early marker led by Malcolm Wilson to come runner-up and make their way back to The Centaur for the second time three years (and gain promotion to the Second Section), whilst Pilling Jubilee make their return for a first time since 2021 thanks to a compact account under Joshua Hughes.

Behind them came Blackpool Brass, Thornton Cleveley and Eccleston Brass (who will also be promoted).

Fourth Section:

Although the implementation of the disqualification process on Darwen Brass gave rise to a rather unfortunate outcome to the Fourth Section, it also served as a reminder that contest day requirements are underpinned by clearly defined rules and regulations.

Darwen's 'victory' is now subject to potential appeal, but whatever they decide they have already acted with admirable professionalism — as have the bands directly affected by the decision — notably Red Admiral Brass and Littleborough who now head to Cheltenham, as well as Ochan Silver who were promoted to third place.

Darwen's "musically sophisticated" performance of 'I Daedalus' (as described by the judges Andrea Price and Gavin Saynor in their written remarks) will therefore likely be a bittersweet reminder of what could have been only a second ever Area triumph. Even their most ardent rivals would not begrudge them a victory here in the years to come.

Finely structured

Instead, the immediate celebrations were cut short with the organisers now having to send the winner's trophy to Red Admiral Brass, whose finely structured marker off the number 1 draw saw them gain the subsequent accolade of securing their first ever Area title and Cheltenham appearance.

They will be joined there for a second successive year by Littleborough, who produced a solid account of the colourful set-work, whilst Onchan secured their second successive podium finish.

In an encouraging contest that featured a number of well led, vibrant accounts, the remaining places went to Cadishead Public, the debutants of Manx Youth and Ramsay Town — meaning that all three Isle of Man bands ended in the top-six.

Intriguing start to the Areas

Once again the North West Regional Championships provided a day full of fine music making and contesting intrigue — all admirably administered by Richard Milton and his team of volunteers.

If the other Areas are anything like Blackpool, then there will be plenty to debate, discuss and offer opinion about over the next four weekends too.

Malcolm Wood

The top two gave the closely matched 'tip-top' performances they needed to consider for the destination of the title, with Oldham Band (Lees) securing their Albert Hall passage with clarity and substance4BR

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs; Andrea Price

1. Foden's (Russell Gray)**
2. Leyland (Daniel Brooks)*
3. Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins)*
4. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Ryan Watkins)
5. Milnrow (Chris Binns)
6. KNDS Fairey (Phil Chalk)
7. Acceler8 (Jef Sparkes)
8. Boarshurst Silver (Jamie Prophet)
9. Rainford (Sarah Groarke Bboth)
10. Wingates (Matt Ryan)
11. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
12. Wardle Anderson Brass (Brad McCulloch)

Best Principal Cornet: Mark Wilkinson (Foden's)
**Pre qualified for National Final
* Qualify for National Final

First Section:

Adjudicators: Leigh Baker; Anne Crookston

1. Tyldseley (Neil Samuel)*
2. Freckleton (Adam D J Taylor)*
3. Diggle (Sean Conway)*
4. Whitworth Vale & Healey (Mike Golding)
5. Valley Brass (David Chadwick)
6. Roberts Bakery (Mike Jones)
7. Ashton under Lyne (Paul Lovatt Cooper)
8. Eccles Borough (Mareika Gray)
9. Flixton (Adie Smith)
10. Skelmersdale (Benjamin Coulson)
11. Blackburn & Darwen (Daniel Thomas)
12. Haydock Mark Quinn)
13. Hazel Grove (Nigel Beasley)
14. Pemberton Old Wigan DW B (Ryan Breen)
15. Silk Brass (Tony Wyatt)
16. Manx Concert Brass (Ian Clague MBE)
17. Mossley (Martyn Evans)

*Qualify for National Final

Second Section:

Adjudicators: Martin Heartfield; Stan Lippeatt

1. Middleton (Jamie Cooper)*
2. Eagley (Christopher Wormald)*
3. Liverpool (David McGlynn)*
4. Bollington Brass (Craig Mann)
5. Morecambe (Andrew W Porter)
6. Old Hall Brass (Trevor Halliwell)
7. Poulton-le-Fylde (Brett Baker)
8. Golborne Brass (Les Webb)
9. Besses Boys (James Holt)
10. Uppermill (James Garlick)
11. Lostock Hall Memorial (John Atkinson)
12. City of Chester Bluecoat (Ewan Easton)
13. Marple (Nick Birch)
14. Haslingden & Helmshore (Kevin Gibbs)
15. Delph (Phil Goodwin)
16. Allerton Brass (Jamie Duncan)
17. Hawk Green (Neil Hewson)
18. VBS Poynton (Tim Hilary)

*Qualify for National Final

Third Section:

Adjudicators: Nicholas Garman; Paul Norley

1. Dobcross Silver (Jason M. Smith)*
2. Rivington & Adlington (Malcolm Wilson)*
3. Pilling Jubilee Silver (Joshua Hughes)*
4. Blackpool Brass (John North)
5. Thornton Cleveleys (Steve Tarry)
6. Eccleston Brass (John Wood)
7. Trinity Girls (Craig Mann)
8. Stalybridge Old (Nigel Lawless)
9. Sale Brass (Andrew Mallon)
10. Clock Face Miners Heritage (Will Haw)
11. Goodshaw (BMP Europe) (Dean Redfern)
12. Rode Hall Silver (Ken Mackintosh)
13. Hoover Bolton (Joe Murtagh)
14. Farnworth & Walkden (S. Jones)

Withdrawn:
Besses o' th' Barn (Phil Shaw)

*Qualify for National Final

Fourth Section:

Adjudicators: Andrea Price; Gavin Saynor

1. Red Admiral Brass (Stuart Barton)*
2. Littleborough Public (Ashley Higgins)*
3. Onchan Silver (David Karran)
4. Cadishead Public (David Holland)
5. Manx Youth Band (Ian Clague MBE)
6. Ramsey Town (Huw Thomas)
7. Stacksteads (Matthew Speight)
8. Brindle (Stephen Hartley)
9. Dobcross Youth (James Atkins)
10. Blackley (Karl Stott)
11. St. John's Mossley (Ben Hill-Wilson)
12. Crewe Brass (Adam Shilton)

*Qualify for National Final

Disqualified: Darwen Brass (Matt Balsom)
Due to player ineligibility