Fresh from their victorious weekend at the French Open Championships in Amboise, Smithills School Senior Brass Band and MD Chris Wormald have told 4BR of their delight at having added another title to their impressive CV.

Enjoyed

This year was the first time Smithills decided to enter the French Open, and in spite of the long coach journeys there and back, the three part day of competition on the Saturday itself was enjoyed by all the band members.

Up at 6.00am on the day of the main events, Smithills arrived at the contest by 7.30am, took to the stage at 8.50am and had performed by 9.20am!

Up at 6.00am on the day of the main events, Smithills arrived at the contest by 7.30am, took to the stage at 8.50am and had performed by 9.20am!4BR

French Whit

It would be a further fourteen hours until the results were announced during the Gala Concert, but straight away Smithills had drawn to play second in the Whit Friday style march contest through the main street of Amboise at 10.10am, so it was a quick trip across town to be in time for that.

After a break for lunch and to listen to the other bands, Smithills gave its scheduled concert at 2.00pm on the banks of the River Loire in scorching sunshine and beautiful surroundings.

Inspirational

After a relaxing afternoon at their hotel and an evening meal in the town centre, Smithills attended the Gala Concert given by Brass Band Willebroek, which was an inspiration to the Smithills musicians.

Although the encores took the concert well past midnight, and having got up over eighteen hours earlier, nobody wanted to leave before the end.

Little sleep

After just five hours sleep for the musicians it was up again at 6.00am on the Sunday morning for the long return journey home, but with a stunning trophy, First Prize and a cheque for 1,000 Euros, Smithills had completed the second leg of their contest year as successfully as they had the first.