*
banner

Results: 2008 Nationals — Section 1

Full results for the 2008 National Championships of Great Britian — First Section, from Harrogate's International Conference Centre.

International Conference Centre, Harrogate
 

For the fourth time in the organisations history, Beaumaris can celebrate a National title to their name after the class of 2008 took home the First Section honours at Harrogate on Sunday afternoon.

Fourth time

Conducted by Gwyn Evans the North Wales band repeated the triumphs of 1991, 1992 and 2000 to take the £1,000 top prize ahead of the fancied Skelmanthorpe Band directed by John Roberts.

Disappointing

On a day when the overall standard in the section was shown to be rather disappointing, these two bands stood out head and shoulders above the rest as Philip Sparke’s enjoyable ‘The Saga of Haakon the Good’ proved to be good, bad and downright ugly in the performances of many of the contenders.

There was no denying though that the top two bands were the only pair of contenders on the day to get to grips with the work both technically and musically..4BR

Best of the rest

The best of the rest saw Kirkbymoorside Town directed by John Woodward take the final podium place on offer in third, whilst the remaining top six prizes went to Helston Town from the West of England, Blackburn & Darwen for the North West and Glossop Old from the Midlands.

Atmospheric

There was no denying though that the top two bands were the only pair of contenders on the day to get to grips with the work both technically and musically, with the judges, Melvin White and Steve Sykes, just opting for the more atmospheric and exciting interpretation of the Welsh over the cleaner more secure rendition from the Yorkshire band.


Test Piece:
The Saga of Haakon the Good, Philip Sparke

Adjudicators:
Melvin White & Steve Sykes

Results:

1. Seindorf Beaumaris, Gwyn Evans, 8, 192
2. Skelmanthorpe, John Roberts, 10, 191
3. Kirkbymoorside Town, John Woodward, 7, 189
4. Helston Town, John Hitchens, 11, 188
5. Blackburn and Darwen, Nick Sheppard, 12, 187
6. Glossop Old, Jon Davies, 15, 185
7. Hathern, Dave Newman, 6, 183
8. Otterbourne Brass, Lt Col Chris Davis OBE, 9, 182
9. Newbridge (Celynen), Paul Holland, 2, 181
10. Stannington, Derek Renshaw, 5, 180
11. Phoenix West Midland Brass, David Maplestone, 14, 179
12. Roberts Bakery, Colin Cranson, 16, 178
13. Bo'ness and Carriden, Mike Marzella, 3, 177
14. Clackmannan & District, Paul Kiernan, 17, 176
15. Ipswich and Norwich Co-op, Robin Norman, 1, 175
16. Jersey Premier Brass, Tim Pritchard, 13, 173
17. Wansbeck's Ashington Colliery, Nigel Steadman, 4, 172

Best instrumentalist:
Paul Hughes (Solo Cornet) Seindorf Beaumaris

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd