The 2008 ‘Super Sunday’ regional bonanza saw records broken in the Championship Section in all five areas this year.
North West
In the North West, Fodens Richardson became the most successful band in the regions history by winning its 15th area title under the direction of Garry Cutt – his 7th regional victory. It meant that the band had finally overtaken the record of the famous CWS (Manchester) Band who won 14 regional titles between 1952 and 1976.
For the record Fodens has won the North West title in 1949, 50, 53, 56, 83, 88, 89, 98, 99, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Fodens will be joined in London by Leyland and Fairey, who qualified from a keenly fought contest in Blackpool.
For the record Fodens has won the North West title in 1949, 50, 53, 56, 83, 88, 89, 98, 99, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 20084BR
Scotland
Meanwhile in Scotland, Whitburn recorded their 14th regional victory and booked themselves a place at the 2009 European Championships in Ostend when they finally overcame their Millennium hoodoo by winning the Scottish Championship for the first time since 1999. Reigning champions Kirkintilloch will return to London again, whilst Scottish Co-op were the band to miss out, coming 4th.
Wales
The record books where also broken in Wales where Tredegar recorded their 9th regional victory since 1975 by becoming the first band to beat Cory at the Brangwyn Hall since 2001 (they were also the last).
It also meant that they would represent the Principality at the Europeans in Belgium in 2009. Joining them in London with pre qualified Cory will be BTM, who secured their place by coming a second on the day, whilst the double hat trick champions had to be content with 3rd place.
Midlands
At the Midlands there was victory for the first time since 2003 for Desford – their 13th victory at the contest, who will return to the Albert Hall as Midlands champion accompanied by Virtuosi GUS.
West of England
In the West of England the curse of the reigning champions remains, as PolySteel were unable to retain their title in Torquay as Mount Charles made it three wins in five years to wrest the title from their grasp.
It is now 13 years and counting since a band retained its title here and the reigning champion couldn’t even make it to London on this occasion, as PolySteel was beaten into 3rd place by SWT Woodfalls.
For all the results from all the section from the West of England, Wales, Midlands, North West and Scotland – check out the 4BR results.