There was a welcome return to top class form for the former European champions Brass Band Willebroek at the French Open in Amboise on the weekend.

Honours

Under the baton of Frans Violet they took the honours from English representatives Lockwood in second place with Brass Band de Contrai of France in third.

Willebroek’s euphonium star Stef Pillaert took the ‘Best Soloist’ award.

There were section honours for Brassage Brass Band, Mons St George Brass Band, Concordia and Brass Band de la Gourge, who as a result were promoted to the Third Section for the 2012 event.

Outstanding concert

Willebroek later gave an outstanding Gala Concert performance much to the appreciation of the audience packed into the Theatre Beaumarchais.

A full report from the event will appear here in the next few days.

Results:
Adjudicators: David Horsfield, Philip Sparke, Dennis Wilby, Pascal Eicher

Championship:
1. Willebroek — 117.5
2. Lockwood — 114.5
3. Courtrai — 111.25

First Section:
1. Brassage Brass Band — 109.5
2. Brass Band Borgiacq — 108

Second Section:
1. Mons St George Brass Band — 106.25

Third Section:
1. Concordia — 104.75

Fourth Section:
1. Brass Band de la Gorgue — 108.25
2. Blackley — 104.25
3. Brass Band du CRR de Tours – 101.25