This year's round of regional championship events came to a conclusion as five new North of England Champions were crowned in Durham.

They were headed by an impressive NASUWT Riverside, as Prof Nicholas Childs led them to a fourth victory in the last five contesting years. Elsewhere, slightly longer awaited returns to the top step of the podium were enjoyed by section winners Cockerton, Ferryhill, Trimdon and Knaresborough.

Despite the damp weather that greeted the 40 competing bands, the vibrant atmosphere in the Gala Theatre complex created by the friendly rivalry was a reminder of the region's sense of communal pride in contesting endeavour — once again led by the excellent regional committee team of Tony Griffiths and his volunteers.

The region will now send 10 bands to London and Cheltenham after keenly fought contests that although varying in overall quality were topped by qualifiers of notable confidence.

Championship Section:

That was certainly the case with NASUWT Riverside, as they regained possession of the Championship Section Trophy with an imposing performance of 'Diversions' defined by its ensemble quality, topped and tailed by the fine contributions of their 'Best Principal Cornet', Stephen Wilkinson and section winning 'Best Basses'.

Although not without blemish, it certainly captured the stylistic requirements of adjudicators Melvin White and Sam Fisher.

The melancholic middle movement with its sparse contours seamlessly between the main solo lines was noted in acknowledgment of the MD's "sensible" approach. It in turn was balanced by the precise energy and witty romp of the outer sections, with Melvin writing in his remarks; "I enjoyed listening", adding that it had been "a very considered reading".

Congratulations

In response, the Black Dyke Band Director of Music later told 4BR: "All the congratulations go to the band — the players and the management who make sure everything is so well prepared for my visits and for the contest day.

This is a band growing in musical maturity year in year out, and I know they will celebrate this win and then get straight into the preparation for the Grand Shield. These are exciting times here and I'm delighted to play my part in it."

In his pre-results remarks, adjudicator Sam Fisher felt that he may have sounded like "a stuck record" in talking about the need for overall consistency — from "a lack of flow" in the central section to "forced dynamics" in the last.

Tellingly, Melvin added that whilst the soloists had done well over "thinly scored passages", only a few bands managed to match "the styles of duets, especially flugel and trombone".

Hull and back

With the detailed remarks in mind, the results did not really come as a surprise, as NASUWT Riverside were joined on the trip to the Albert Hall for the first time since 2021 by a delighted City of Hull.

Their neatly constructed account under Jonathan Beatty spoke of detailed preparation and a nod to the same stylistic approach taken by the champion, with defined dynamic contrasts and pacing (especially the free flowing finale), aided by confident lead lines.

The awards to their 'Best' baritone, euphonium and trombone further hallmarked a performance enhanced by solid middle band sounds.

No Easington repeat

It meant there was to be no repeat Area hit for defending champion Easington Colliery, as despite a performance that balanced stylish elan with more sombre reflections, was also pockmarked by too many lead and ensemble errors.

Disappointment then for fans of Sam Fender and the band, but on this occasion, it wasn't quite enough, as Melvin White confirmed when saying that — "it was that close between second and third, it could have gone either way. We had three super bands, three in the middle and then three who found the piece difficult."

Elsewhere, EverReady's wait for a 37th Area title, and a first since 2016 continues as they never quite produced a cohesive enough account (despite the fine 'Best Percussion' section) to push into the reckoning, whilst the same could also be said for the remaining top-six 'middle' finishers of Shepherd Brass (although with a superb 'Best Soprano') and Fishburn.

Behind them, few complaints from Tewit Silver on what was still a highly encouraging top section debut, Kirbymoorside Town and York Railway Institute.

First Section:

It was to be a memorable weekend for Andrew Hunter, as he led Cockerton Prize Silver to the First Section title on the Saturday as well as 24 or so hours later also playing bass trombone top section winner NASUWT Riverside.

Morley Calvert's 'Introduction, Elegy and Caprice' proved to be a stern challenge of both title as well as qualification winning credentials, with adjudicator Sam Fisher revealing that he and Andrea Price had taken "some time over the decisions".

Consistency, or the lack of it over its contrasting movements was key — elements such as the formidable soprano part, noted but not determinant, as was the effort of some bands in giving their all in rather frenetic approaches to the 'Caprice'.

Appreciation

Andrea's considered marks were particularly prescient.

Her reference to bands needing to "appreciate" the structure of the score without losing sight of its musical nuance were echoed in the final result as Cockerton's informed dynamics, pacing and ensemble security (with their 'Best Horn' section adding a rich centre the ensemble sound) were moulded with authority by the MD.

It really was a fine account, aided by confident lead lines (notably on soprano). "We can hear everything" wrote Andrea in her remarks, praising the "fundamentals" which were "all in place" with "lots to admire".

Victory, their first at this level, saw them return to Cheltenham for the first time 2021, with the band simply rejoicing in the fact on their Facebook page by declaring: "North of England 1st Section Champions!!!"

Ripon persuasion

Joining them on the long journey south will be Ripon City, as Garry Hallas used nous and know-how to shape a persuasive qualifying account. The added experience of playing in the top section here over the past few years held them in good stead off the number 1 draw as they overcame a few moments of unease to deservedly book their place.

It was also just enough to pip North Skelton in third, as they provided a performance of poise and consideration under Tim Oldroyd that found favour in the hall, but not just quite enough in the box.

Merit

The remaining places as Sam and Andrea alluded to, were hard to separate, with Houghton Brass, Harrogate, Durham Miners and GT Group Peterlee providing performances that were consistent only in their inconsistency.

That said, each emerged with merit, with the MDs taking care not to overplay the dynamics in the 'Introduction' despite some meaty opening chords. The errors and spatial insecurities though were marked, although some of the individual playing in the 'Elegy' was classy and the 'Caprice' was played at times with a frenetic energy.

Second Section:

Ferryhill Town's 15 year wait for an Area victory came to a resounding end with a super rendition of Oliver Waespi's 'Friendly Takeover'.

Pulsating with energy and rhythmic drive it was musically inspired by MD Jonathan Fenwick who drove his band with controlled authority from start to finish. He only allowed himself to break into a smile as he proudly acknowledged the fine playing of his ensemble after the last note rang out. It was to stay on his face all night.

"I always look so serious", he later told 4BR, "so please get a picture me smiling now!"

Reflecting on their success on their Facebook page the band stated: "It's a privilege to qualify for a second successive year and to improve on last year's result. Despite a number of challenges throughout 2025, which included the loss of our rehearsal premises and home for over 20 years, the band have continued on their path of improvement and continue to thrive.

As we prepare to take the national stage, and once again represent Ferryhill with pride, the band will continue our fundraising efforts in the coming months to secure the resources needed to compete at the highest level."

Plenty for everyone to smile about then — and deservedly so.

Dunston smiles

The same was certainly true for Dunston Silver as Fraser Hodgson led his band to their first National Final since 2016.

It was made even more memorable as they requested to play number 1, and as it came a decade after they lost one of their most cherished players in John Myers. Understandably their representative Lisa Hill called it a "a magic day" topped by their 'Best Soprano Player', Calum Hartwell.

Best of nine

These were the two bands that gave judges Mark Wilkinson and Andrea Price what they were looking for on a work that brought the best out of each of the nine well directed contenders.

"Bands took good dynamic risks and kept the drive to the end," Mark said as he praised the contributions made by soloists and percussion in particular, which he felt didn't "dominate". He also noted that the bands captured the deceptive style of the writing, not making it over emphasised to maintain the rhythmic groove required.

Felling could possibly count themselves unlucky as they ended third with a performance based on a bass foundation as solid as Newcastle United's back four at Wembley.

There was also a great deal to enjoy with the other top-six finishers of NASUWT Concert, Westoe and Ellington, whose top notch 'Best Euphonium', Stephen Frost was the pick of a host of very confident players on the day.

Third Section:

It proved to be a memorable 60th birthday for Trimdon Brass MD Andrew Hall, as he led his band to the Third Section title.

Understandably, the celebrations surrounded by friends singing his favourite 'Bohemian Rhapsody' song went on long into the Durham night as victory came 26 years after his last Area success.

And as birthday greetings went, the assessment of their performance of 'Arkansas' from adjudicators Melvin White and Mark Wilkinson, which also brought them their first Area title since winning the Fourth Section in 2013, was every bit as good as any written on the inside cover of a card from the local branch of Clintons.

Character and confidence

Aided by their 'Best Basses' it was full of bold character and confidence, the music capturing the pioneering sense of filmatic adventure. It also came with something of promise to finally end Andrew's colourful contest day stage shirt choices. "After 26 years I think the band is right," he said with a beaming smile.

He won't mind what colour his Cheltenham shirt will be on this form either, as right from the start they produced a performance of notable musicality — and especially in establishing the correct sense of atmosphere and style in the opening 12 or so bars Melvin White said the judges were looking for.

Detailed and clear

Their pre-results analysis were detailed and clear; noting the work's rhythmic challenges and tricky bridging passages, tempo choices and dynamics from the first two quavers to the last chord. Bands knew exactly what they were looking for and why they came where they did.

Experience counted then as Trimdon were joined in Cheltenham by the familiar figures of John Iveson and defending champion Flookburgh — their third trip there in the last four years.

The ex-Philip Jones Brass Ensemble trombonist has conducted Flookburgh since 1998 with the musical connection between the pair evident in the way they responded to his direction in a cultured reading of the score, led superbly by 'Best Cornet' Diane Turner.

Just missing out on what would have been a first qualification since 2014 was East Riding of Yorkshire as Fiona Bishop drew a persuasive performance from a band that continues to grow in stature, whilst there was also much to enjoy from Barton College, North Lakes Brass, Spennymoor Town and Craghead Colliery.

Fourth Section:

One of the great moments of the Durham weekend came at the conclusion of the Fourth Section, where the delight of Knaresborough Band's representative as she hugged adjudicator Duncan Beckley showed just how much it meant to become North of England Champion.

It is doubtful Duncan has ever been on the receiving end of anything quite like it in all his years of adjudicating (and he has notched up over 100 appearances in the box) — but then again the joy was understandable, as success had come ten years after Knaresborough's last victory at the contest.

Musical picture

"Accurate and consistent", was Duncan's summing up, whilst his colleague Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale added: "You clearly had a musical picture you wanted to achieve, and this came across."

It did indeed, as MD Nick Garrett drew an evocative narrative from the 'I, Daedalus' score packed with more Greek colour, drama, pathos and triumph than even old Socrates could conjure up.

The only pity was that Nick himself missed out on the immediate celebrations (although perhaps he would have been hugged to bursting point) as he was driving down the motorway to prepare to start his new job.

A little later the band expressed their delight on their Facebook page, saying: "An amazing day for the band in Durham, we're delighted to have won the fourth section and will get to represent the North of England at the National Finals in Cheltenham in September."

Take flight

In his pre-results analysis Duncan mentioned the need for the banding basics of Andrea Price's cleverly constructed score to be mastered before any band prepared to take flight so to speak.

Tempos were a concern — both quick and slow — as were dynamics and intonation. Those who got them right prospered and didn't get their wings burnt.

Tewit success

Taking the second spot were debutants Tewit Community Band led by the experienced John Belton with a performance of wonderful vim and vibrancy, topped by a super 'Best Principal Cornet' contribution from James Jarvis.

The production line of Tewit talent is working overtime once more as they deservedly booked their Cheltenham place. As with the winners, the joy was both great to see and hear.

Encouraging

Elsewhere it was also encouraging to hear the solid progress being made in the foundation post bands of the region — all led with expertise and understanding by their MDs.

Each left the better for tackling Andrea Price's work with imagination and upbeat enthusiasm; the quality of the ensemble playing marked (the percussion in particular) and with the soloists from all the bands also making their presence felt.

Just missing out on this occasion was Billingham Silver (aided by their splendid perc section) who finished ahead of well led top-six finishers Swinton & District, Penrith and Burneside.

Another successful North of England weekend also saw audience numbers up, with the auditorium almost full for the Championship Section. Congratulations then to all the competing bands, the qualifiers and winners in particular, but also to Tony Griffiths who hasn't had it easy recently with ill-health affecting his family.

He deserved the plaudits every bit as much as any National Finals bound band.

Steve Jack

This is a band growing in musical maturity year in year out, and I know they will celebrate this win and then get straight into the preparation for the Grand ShieldProf Nicholas Childs

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicators: Melvin White, Sam Fisher

1. NASUWT Riverside (Prof. Nicholas Childs)*
2. City of Hull (Jonathan Beatty)*
3. Easington Colliery (Alan Withington)
4. EverReady (Stephen Roberts)
5. Shepherd Brass (Richard Wilton)
6. Fishburn (Ray Farr)
7. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall)
8. Kirkbymoorside Town (Sarah Woodward)
9. York Railway Institute (Dr David Lancaster)

* Qualify of National Final

Best Soprano: Shepherd Brass
Best Principal Cornet: NASUWT Riverside
Best Baritone: City of Hull
Best Euphonium: City of Hull
Best Trombone: City of Hull
Best Bass Section: NASUWT Riverside
Best Percussion: EverReady

First Section:

Adjudicators: Andrea Price, Sam Fisher

1. Cockerton Silver (Andrew Hunter)*
2. Ripon City (Gary Hallas)*
3. North Skelton (Tim Oldroyd)
4. Houghton Brass (Aidan Hodgson)
5. Harrogate (Craig Ratcliffe)
6. Durham Miners Association (Stuart Gray)
7. GT Group Peterlee (Gareth Sykes)

*Qualify for National Final

Best Trombone: Harrogate
Best Horn Section: Cockerton Silver
Best Bass Section: Ripon City
Best Percussion: Cockerton Silver
Youngest Player: Ripon City

Second Section:

Adjudicators: Mark Wilkinson, Andrea Price

1. Ferryhill Town (Jonathan Fenwick)*
2. Dunston Silver (Fraser Hodgson)*
3. Felling Band (Stephen Malcolm)
4. NASUWT Concert Band (Brian Thompson)
5. Westoe (David Roberts)
6. Ellington Colliery (Clare Winter)
7. Ashington Colliery (Nigel Stedman)
8. Bearpark & Esh Colliery (Steve Robson)
9. Jayess Newbiggin Brass (Duncan Beckley)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Soprano: Dunston Silver
Best Euphonium: Ellington Colliery
Best Bass Section: Felling Band

Third Section:

Adjudicators: Melvin White, Mark Wilkinson

1. Trimdon Brass (Andrew Hall)*
2. Flookburgh Silver (John Iveson)*
3. East Riding of Yorkshire (Fiona Bishop)
4. Barton Community (Gary Oglesby)
5. North Lakes Brass (Gareth Sykes)
6. Spennymoor Town (Fiona Casewell)
7. Craghead Colliery (Stephen Goddard)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Cornet: Flookburgh Silver
Best Percussion: Flookburgh Silver
Best Bass Section: Trimdon Brass

Fourth Section:

Adjudicators: Duncan Beckley, Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale

1. Knaresborough Silver (Nicolas Garrett)*
2. Tewit Community Band (John Belton)*
3. Billingham Silver (Garrie Harvey)
4. Swinton & District Excelsior (Robin Rutter)
5. Penrith Town (Ian Butterworth)
6. Burneside Brass (Dave Higson)
7. Backworth Colliery (Chris Travis)
8. Cleethorpes (Brian Harper)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Principal Cornet: Tewit Community Band
Best Euphonium: Backworth Colliery
Best Percussion: Billingham Silver
Youngest Player of Winning Band: Knaresborough Silver