Fourteen of the finest Youth Bands in the UK took part in the 24th Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Contest on Sunday, providing a feast of music making, entertainment and total enjoyment.

Themes

As in previous years, the contest contained a number of bands whose approach to their performance was fearless. A number of bands went for a theme ranging from the War Years, music from various parts of the World through to Pantomine.

Outstanding winner

Sunday's Youth Entertainment Contest at Blackpool was a real feast of music and entertainment with the bands thriving on the opportunity to show what they can do4BR

Rochdale Borough Youth Band retained the title it has held for the last 3 years with an innovative programme that included utilising bass drums and scenary to depict the train, the Coronation Scot; Percussionist, Nathan Mills dressed as half woman, half man for his solo feature, 'I am the Model of a Modern Major-General' which gave him the award for the Best Soloist. In addition, Rochdale took awards for the Best Bass Section and Best Back row Cornet Section.

Brass in Concert invite

In a new intiative between Brass in Concert and the Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment contests, Rochdale Borough received a formal invitation from Dr Roy Newsome, BiC's Musical Advisor to participate at this year's event to be held at The Sage and the band will perform an hour long concert on Saturday 15th November.

No controversery

Following last year's concerns raised afterwards by the bands at the variance in the points awarded in the entertainment category, there is no need for concern this year with the points ranging from 94 through to 81.

Smile

Both judges, Simon Kerwin and Peter Roberts addressed the audience prior to the announcement of the results and whilst both praised the bands for their efforts, Peter encouraged the participants on stage to 'smile' and enjoy themselves.

Around £5000 raised

Throughout the day, around £5000 was raised for Action Medical Research with contributions coming from people in the bands and the audience.

Review to follow

4BR will look back at the day in more detail with our usual retrospective which will appear later in the week.