The Enderby Band claimed the £750 first prize and winner's trophy at the popular Shirebrook Entertainment Contest on the weekend.

Led by Ryan Richards their set of 'Valero', 'Water of Tyne', soprano solo, 'Live and Let Die' featuring Alex Baldwin, Gareth Wood's 'Men of Harlech' and the finale from 'Glorifico Aeternum' saw the current Midlands First Section Regional Champion give adjudicator Steven Mead just what he was looking for as they repelled the impressive challenge from rivals Blidworth Welfare with defending champion Foresters Brass in third.

Andy Mayell took the 'Best Euphonium' award for his sterling contribution to the success, whilst the 'Best Soloist' award went to flugel player Matt Sharpe of Hucknall & Linby MC Band.

Delighted

Speaking to 4BR, the winning MD was delighted after another victory for his ambitious band. "My thanks got to the players who put in the hard work for this victory.

I'm really pleased as it builds on the success at the Areas and shows that we are hungry for more. It's such an exciting and musically rewarding time for me working with a great bunch of people."

Amington win

In Section B it was Amington Band that came out on top under the baton of MD Alan Gifford, as they took the honours and £300 first prize ahead of Matlock and Oughtibridge Band."

Speaking to 4BR about what he had heard on the day, Steven Mead said: "My congratulations go to the organisers for once again promoting an excellent day of musical entertainment, and to the bands that really provided the music making.

I was looking for the bands that of course performed well, but who also were able to communicate effectively with the audience with coherent programmes that combined polished playing to go with their presentation.

That was certainly the case with the winners in both sections, but there were also some great positives from every band that they can work on."

Excellent event

A spokesperson for the event added: "Our thanks got to Shirebrook Council for once again supporting an excellent event. We were delighted by the response of the bands and the way the day panned out.

Steven Mead once again provided his excellent adjudication analysis and we are sure the appreciative audience enjoyed a great day of music making."

I'm really pleased as it builds on the success at the Areas and shows that we are hungry for more. It's such an exciting and musically rewarding time for me working with a great bunch of peopleRyan Richards

Results:

Adjudicator: Steven Mead

Section A:

1. Enderby (Ryan Richards)
2. Blidworth Welfare Band (Simon Oates)
3. Foresters Brass (John Davis)
4. Strata Brass (Jonathan Bates)
5. Hucknall & Linby Mining Community Band (Paul Whyley)
6. Shirebrook Welfare Band (Jim Henson)

Best Soloist: Matt Sharpe (flugel) — Hucknall & Linby MC Band
Best Euphonium: Andy Mayell (Enderby Band)

Section B:

1. Amington Band (Alan Gifford)
2. Matlock (Chris Banks)
3. Oughtibridge (Gavin Somerset)