The 52nd annual contest organised by North East Derbyshire District Council took place at Dronfield Leisure Centre on Saturday 18th September.

Large audience

A large audience enjoyed the playing of the invited bands in the entertainment contest, where Stannington Brass conducted by Derek Renshaw took the honours and the £400 top prize ahead of rivals Shirland (£300) and Matlock (£150).

The prize for the best soloist went to Ben Jowett of Shirland Welfare Band, for his performance of the Harry James Trumpet Concerto.

The adjudicator was Alan Hope who commented on the excellent standard of playing and the quality entertainment value.

Fourth win

Stannington has now won the contets four years in a row and in defence of their title opened with the pacey concert march from the film '1941'.

Principal cornet Richard Dowling showed off his accomplished skills, providing a poignant opening to the main theme from the film 'JFK' on trumpet, before switching to cornet — undeterred by two of his fingers in splints following a recent accident.

The band put in a tremendous overall performance and the soloists did an excellent jobMD, Derek Renshaw

Varied programme

The varied programme also showcased the talent of the band’s youngest player, 15 year old Lewis Bettles, who performed 'Czardas', impressively on both trombone and xylophone.

Returning to the American theme, the band performed the traditional hymn, 'The Old Rugged Cross', as their finale.

Delighted Musical Director, Derek Renshaw told 4BR: "The band put in a tremendous overall performance and the soloists did an excellent job."

Result:

1. Stannington Brass (Derek Renshaw) – 186
2. Shirland Welfare (Andrew Dennis) — 184
3. The Matlock Band (Geoffrey Hawley) — 182