The weekend of the 28/29th June, was a very busy weekend for Brass Banding, not only was it the English National Championship at Preston Guild Hall, but also the Brass Heritage Festival in Hebden Bridge.

Mortimer ties

The Hebden Bridge Band arranged the weekend, to share with everyone the close relationship which the band holds with the Mortimer family. Hebden Bridge Band was the first band that the famous Harry Mortimer played with.

Patrons Concert

Saturday night saw a Patrons Concert at the Picture House, where guests of honour Mr&Mrs Martin Mortimer, Mr&Mrs David Horsfield and Mr&Mrs David W Ashworth, who, along with over 300 members of the public, where treated to a magnificent concert by the Hebden Bridge Band and special guest Soloist, Philip McCann.

Very large crowds of locals and visitors alike, where entertained by some splendid playing by all bands involved4BR

Connections

The concert included music which had connection with Harry Mortimer.

All the solos played by Philip where indeed solos which Harry himself used to play. The music included such pieces as ‘Yeoman of the Guard’ and ‘Life Divine’, under the direction of Dennis Hadfield.

Martin Mortimer commented afterwards: "It was an excellent concert which the band should be very proud of, Philip McCann was magnificent and I congratulate everyone for a fabulous achievement which I feel we all thoroughly enjoyed."

March & Hymn Contest

The following day, Hebden Bridge was treated to the inaugural March and Hymn Contest.

Early in the day the weather did not look very promising, however, upon the arrival of the first of the eleven competing bands, the sun broke through.

Very large crowds of locals and visitors alike, where entertained by some splendid playing by all bands involved.

At the conclusion, Brett Baker who adjudicated the day’s proceedings, gave a short speech of thanks and concluded with the results.

Result:

Championship Section:
1. Blackburn & Darwen (Nick Shepperd)
2. United Co-op Milnrow (John Ward)

First/Second Section:
1. Clifton & Lightcliffe (John Clay)
2. Holme Silver (Duncan Beckley)

Third Section:
1. Dobcross Silver (Dennis Hadfield)
2. Boarshurst Silver (Greenfield) (David W Ashworth)

Fourth Section:
1. Uppermill Band (Alan Widdop)
2. Clifton & Lightcliffe B (John Clay)

Youth Section:
1. Wardle High School (Lee Rigg)

Best Hymn Tune: United Co-op Milnrow.
Deportment: Boarshurst Silver (Greenfield)
Best Youth Instrumentalist: Soprano Cornet, Wardle High School

It is hoped that the March and Hymn Contest will become an annual event and details of the 2009 event will be made available in the near future.