A bright and breezy Buxton provided a chilly start for the 33 competitors who took part in a highly enjoyable day of contesting at the picturesque venue.

Impressed

The bands also overcame difficulties caused by the continued refurbishment of the famous old building, with numerous performances that impressed adjudicator's David Lancaster and David Horsfield.

Winning streak

Local band Hazel Grove conducted by Nigel Beasley continued their 2010 winning streak to take the Fourth Section title in fine style with an impressive performance of 'Labour & Love'.

Meanwhile in the Third Section, the nine competitors impressed adjudicator David Horsfield, with the title going to Uppermill, conducted by Alan Widdop, also playing Percy Fletcher's classic test piece.

The event came to a close with the Championship Section contest where the winning performance of 'English Heritage' came in fine style by GT Group Peterlee4BR

Quality

The Second Secton may have only had four entrants, but the lack of quantity was made up for in the impressive quality of the performances.

Adjudicator David Lancaster commented on the high quality of the music played, with the first prize finding its way north to the recently formed Catterick Brass conducted by Stewart Holiday. Their exciting rendition of Philip Harper's 'Kingdom of the Dragons' left the audience cheering.

Fine style

The event came to a close with the Championship Section contest where the winning performance of 'English Heritage' came in fine style by GT Group Peterlee, directed by Stephen Malcolm.

The Best Soloist prize went to Nigel Derbyshire of Kippax Band.

Results:
Championship/First Section:
Adjudicator: David Horsfield

1. GT Group Peterlee (Stehpen Malcolm)
2. Kippax (David Lancaster)
3. Phoenix West Midlands (Steve Platford)
4. The Shirley Band (Dave Lea)
5. Harrogate (Mark Sidwell)

Best Soloist: Nigel Darbyshire (cornet) — Kippax Band
Highest Placed First Section Band: Kippax Band

Second Section:
Adjudicator: David Lancaster

1. Catterick Brass (Stewart Holliday)
2. Haslingden and Helmshore (David Holland)
3. Eccleston Brass (Ian Bateson)
4. Royal Buckley Town (John Doyle)

Third Section:
Adjudicator: David Horsfield

1. Uppermill (Alan Widdop)
2. Skelmersdale Prize (Charles Dickenson)
3. Greenall's (Karl Stott)
4. Hawk Green (Marple)
5. Eagley (Mareika Gray)
6. Burbage (Buxton) (Steve Critchlow)
7. Hucknall & Linby Mining Community (Paul Whyley)
8. BMP Europe Goodshaw (Eddie Hill)
9. Porthaewy Menai Bridge (Chris Williams)

Best Euphonium Section: Greenalls
Highest Placed High Peak Band: Hawk Green (Marple)
Highest Placed NWABBA Band: Uppermill

Fourth Section:
Adjudicator: David Lancaster

1. Hazel Grove (Nigel Beasley)
2. Chapel-en-le Frith (Alan Wycherley)
3. Boarshurst Silver (David Ashworth)
4. Ireland Colliery, Chesterfield (Ian Knapton)
5. Besses Boys (James Holt)
6. Littleborough Public (Ady Woodhead)
7. Fairfield (Buxton) (Charles Kitchen)
8. Parr (Richardson) St. Helens (John Ludden)
9. Blackley (Adrian Smith)
10. Croft Silver (Ian Needham)
11. Corby Silver (Nigel Hall)
12. Trentham (Mike Caveney)
13. Nantlle Vale (Gareth Williams)
14. Denton (Colin Myers)
15. Whaley Bridge (Marcus Jones)

Best High Peak Band in Section: Fairfield (Buxton)
Highest Placed Band in membership of the NWABBA: Hazel Grove
Best Bass Section: Chapel-en-le-Frith

Thanks to Shirley Woodward