Two delighted award winners at the recent Royal Albert Hall National Championship were Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck.

They were the respective 2026 recipients of the Worshipful Company of Musicians' Iles and Mortimer Medals, presented to them on stage by its current Master, Alun Hughes.

lles Medal

Dr David Thornton joined a prestigious lineage of former Iles Medal recipients that includes the likes of Fred Mortimer, Eric Ball, Geoffrey Brand, Elgar Howarth and Bramwell Tovey.

His citation described his outstanding advocacy, commitment and excellence to brass banding in many different guises — as a performer, conductor, commissioner, administrator and curator.

In accepting the award, he stated that it was an "honour" to now be referenced against "names that I have such reverence for". He added that he "was fortunate that something I'm so passionate about as formed such a formative aspect of my life."

Mortimer Medal

The Mortimer Medal recipient Ian Raisbeck also follows in a line of outstanding musicians who have inspired countless young people to start their musical journey in the brass band world.

Former awardees of the honour which was first presented in 1995, include Nigel Boddice, Philip McCann, Helen Minshall, Paul Fisher and Louise Renshaw.

For over 25 years he has been associated with Lions Youth Band as a player, composer, tutor, deputy conductor and Musical Director. For many years he also balanced his work as a brass instructor and classroom teacher by being valued member of Foden's Band and the manager of the Foden's Youth Band.

On receiving the award he stated: "When I was nominated, I was truly humbled. To be included alongside the illustrious names of previous recipients is a huge honour."