There was recently a fantastic weekend in Brighouse where the local March & Hymn Tune Contest took place.

Since beginning in 2000 as a March & Hymn Tune Contest, the Lions Charity event has grown into a three-day event and now the Brighouse Festival of Brass is here to stay.

Concert

After an amazing concert on the Friday evening with The James Shepherd Versatile Brass, the American band from Virginia created a terrific atmosphere in the Central Methodist Church along with the Yorkshire Co-op Band.

The respective musical directors, Frank Renton, Kevin Stees wowed the audiences and it was a special first appearance for Simon Kerwin as the new man at Yorkshire Co-op.

Marsden Silver and Glyn Williams picked up their second Brighouse title, edging past Pennine Brass, with a performance of “Honest Toil” which certainly excited the very large crowd4BR

Marsden tops

In weather conditions which ranged from torrential downpours to long spells of hot sunshine, Marsden Silver and Glyn Williams picked up their second Brighouse title, edging past Pennine Brass, with a performance of “Honest Toil” which certainly excited the very large crowd in the Town Hall Square and all along Bethel Street.

Elland Silver had a great day with victory for their Youth Band and a great 3rd place overall for the Section 3 senior band. Unluckiest band of the day were Clifton & Lightcliffe who suffered a torrential downpour to leave conductor John Clay soaked to the skin. Such is the spirit of true banding !

The Brighouse Festival of Brass has certainly made its mark in the banding calendar.

Results:

1. Marsden Silver (Ossett Brewery)
2. Pennine Brass
3. Elland SIlver

Best Principal Cornet: (Yamaha Xeno Cornet): Jason Evans (Marsden)
Best Contest March: Marsden
Best Hymn Tune: Pennine Brass

Trophy Best Soloist of the Day: Marsden (Euphonium)
Trophy Best Soloist of the Day (Youth): Ellad Youth (Flugel)
Trophy for the best Deportment Youth Section: Dobcross Youth
Trophy for the Youngest Player on the day: The Susan Elsworth Memorial Trophy — Theo Fieldhouse (Elland Youth) 6 years of age

Trophy for the best Band on the Road March: Yorkshire Co-op
Trophy for the best Soprano Cornet: Pennine Brass
Trophy for the best Hymn Tune Section 4: The Friendly Band

Deportment Prize: JMU University (S.A.)
Best 1st Section Band: Meltham & Meltham Mills
Best 2nd Section Band: Dearham Band (Cumbria)
Best 3rd Section Band: Elland Silver
Best 4th Section Band: Wilsden Band

Youth Section:

1. Elland Silver Youth
2. Shirland Miners Youth
3. Sellers International Youth

Each of the 6 Youth Band receive £50 donated by the Association of Band Traders.

Thanks to David Horsfield.