Elland Silver Band claimed the honours as the popular march and hymn tune contest attracted a large line-up of contenders to the famous banding town of Brighouse.

It was the second time they had claimed the title, adding to their success in 2022 as MD David McGlynn led the Yorkshire First Section and Senior Cup outfit to success playing the classic George Allen march 'Knight Templar' and the hymn tune 'Manchester' by Richard Wainwright.

Second place went to Stannington, as they carried on the solid form from a podium finish at the recent Morley contest. Sam Fisher's band performed 'Ravenswood' and 'Be Thou My Vision', whilst third placed Longridge showcased 'Mephistopheles' and 'Love Unknown'.

Musical variety

There was musical variety on show for judges David Hirst and Sarah Groarke-Booth to compare in their deliberations (more so in the hymn tune than march elements) with excellent performances from the highest placed section award winners in Uppermill ('The President' and 'Abide with Me') in coming fourth, Dobcross Silver ('Knight Templar' and 'Deep Harmony') in fifth, and sixth placed Skelmanthorpe ('The Australasian' and 'The Day Thou Gavest').

Yorkshire boosts

Yorkshire champion Queensbury Music Centre boosted their Cheltenham fund raising efforts by taking the 'Best Fourth Section' prize playing 'Bramwyn' and 'Manchester'.

In what was a great day for the Elland organisation, their award-winning youth band took the youth prize led by Samantha Harrison, whilst there a host of well-deserved individual awards.

Result:

Adjudicators: David Hirst; Sarah Groarke-Booth
March/Hymn = Total

1. Elland Silver (David McGlynn): 91/90 = 181
2. Stannington (Sam Fisher): 88/91 = 179
3. Longridge (Mark Peacock): 90/86 = 176
4. Uppermill (James Garlick): 86/89 = 175
5. Dobcross Silver (Jason M Smith): 87/85 = 172
6. Skelmanthorpe (Gareth Brindle): 84/87 = 171
7. Boarshurst Silver (Jamie Prophet): 89/80 = 169
8. Blackburn & Darwen (Daniel Thomas): 85/83 = 168*
9. Slaithwaite (Simon Jacobs): 80/88 = 168
10. Marsden Silver Prize (Leigh Baker): 82/84 = 166
11. Lindley (Alan Widdop): 83/81 = 164
12. Emley (Tim Sidwell): 81/78 = 159*
13. BD1 Brass (Jamie Smith): 77/82 = 159
14. Elland Silver Youth (Samantha Harrison): 78/79 = 157
15. Queensbury Music Centre (Chris Lewis): 79/77 = 156
16. Meltham & Meltham Mills (Tom Haslam): 76/75 = 151*
17. Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge) (Michael Silson): 75/76 = 151
18. Dobcross Youth (James Atkins): 74/73 = 147*
19. Gawthorpe Brass '85 (John Edward): 73/74 = 147

*March mark takes precedent

Individual Awards:

Best Contest March: Elland Silver
Best Hymn Tune: Stannington
Best Road March: Marsden Silver
Deportment: Boarshurst Silver
Youth Deportment: Elland SilverYouth

Best First Section Band: Elland Silver
Best Second Section Band: Uppermill
Best Third Section Band: Dobcross Silver
Best Fourth Section Band: Queensbury Music Centre
Best Youth Band: Elland Silver Youth

Winning Conductor: Dave McGlynn (Elland)

Best Soloist: Dobcross Silver
Best Principal Cornet: Rich Dowling (Stannington)
Best Soprano Cornet: Steve Scarff (Stannington)
Best Euphonium: Tim Dunn (Stannington)
Best Trombone Section: Dobcross Silver
Best Bass Section: Elland Silver
Best Trombones on Road March: Marsden Silver

Best Youth Soloist: Elland Silver Youth
Youngest Player: Elland Silver Youth
Conductor of Best Youth Band: Samantha Harrison (Elland Silver Youth)