Black Dyke, conducted by Dr Nicholas Childs is the 2008 Champion Band of Great Britain.

Dominance reasserted

For the third time in eight years, and the 21st time in their history, they took back to Queensbury the £2,000 first prize, the famous silver trophy, and more importantly than perhaps both, the sense that after the disappointment of the British Open, their contesting dominance has been reasserted.

Enhanced

In a contest that according to the adjudication trio of David Read, James Gourlay and David King, was enhanced by the performances of all 20 competitors, Black Dyke’s mixture of technically brilliance and musical nuance, was enough to give them a clear victory over Open champion Fodens, with European champion, Cory in third.

Black Dyke were deserved victors after their performance off the number 11 draw set the bar on Kenneth Downie’s ‘Concertino’ at a musical height no one else could match4BR

Disappointing numbers

For the majority of people, in what appeared to be a slightly disappointing audience in terms of numbers, Black Dyke were deserved victors after their performance off the number 11 draw (the first after the mid way break) set the bar on Kenneth Downie’s ‘Concertino’ at a musical height no one else could match.

Trademark

Fodens gave it their all in their bid to win the ‘double’ after their Birmingham triumph to come runners up, whilst Cory produced another trademark technical tour de force to take the final podium place.

Hammer blow

Reigning champions Grimethorpe were dealt the hammer blow of fate in their bid to become hat trick winners, when their band rep drew the dreaded number 1 from the velvet bag at the draw. No band has ever won at the Albert Hall off number 1 before, and it will remain the case for another year, as Grimethorpe’s brave attempt to create history could only gain them seventh place.

The three bands to finish directly above the Yorkshiremen in the prizes, were Rothwell Temperence in sixth, Fairey in fifth and Carlton Main in fourth.

Resurgence

Rothwell, directed by David Roberts, certainly put behind them their acute disappointment of losing their British Open status with a performance of solidity and character, whilst Fairey provided further evidence of their resurgence under the baton of Phil Chalk.

Carlton Main meanwhile, turned in a very musical account under birthday boy Russell Gray to claim the last automatic qualification spot for the 2009 Finals, and give Yorkshire the bonus of sending four bands to London next year.

Results:
Saturday 11 October
Royal Albert Hall, London

Test piece:
Concertino for Brass Band, Kenneth Downie

Adjudicators:
David Read, Jim Gourlay, David King

Results:

1. Black Dyke, Dr. Nicholas Childs, 11, 198
2. Fodens, Garry Cutt, 6, 197
3. Cory, Dr. Robert Childs, 14, 196
4. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Russell Gray, 20, 195
5. Fairey, Philip Chalk, 5, 194
6. Rothwell Temperance, David Roberts, 16, 193
7. Grimethorpe Colliery, Allan Withington, 1, 192
8. Leyland, Jason Katsikaris, 10, 191
9. East Yorkshire Motor Services, Frans Violet, 9, 190
10. Virtuosi GUS, John Berryman, 18, 189
11. Reg Vardy, Allan Ramsay, 17, 188
12. Whitburn, Steven Mead, 2, 187
13. Kirkintilloch, Selmer Simonsen, 13, 186
14. Aveley and Newham, Nigel Taken, 15, 185
15. Tredegar, Ian Porthouse, 3, 183
16. SWT Woodfalls, Melvin White, 7, 181
17. Redbridge Brass, Jeremy Wise, 12, 180
18. BTM Band, Philip Harper, 4, 179
19. Desford Colliery, Nigel Seaman, 19, 178
20. Mount Charles, Andrew Duncan, 8, 177

Best instrumentalist:
Glyn Williams, Euph, Fodens