Marsden’s busy weekend of contesting saw them claim the honours at Hebden Bridge, where they took the £350 first prize thanks to their rendition of ‘Knight Templar’ under the baton of Paul Andrews.

City of Bradford conducted by Lee Skipsey took second place, with Elland Silver in third.

Winners

Marsden also won the hymn tune section, with Bradford picking up the road march honours. Elland Youth’s Thomas Fox won the Mortimer Trophy as ‘Best Instrumentalist’ from adjudicator David Read, whilst the Best Calderdale Band Award went to Hebden Bridge Juniors.

£100 section awards went to Elland Silver and Littleborough.

Give us some nice weather and there is no better place to hold a march and hymn tune contest than hereOrganiser, Steve Gardner

Good future

Although there were limited numbers this year, the event organiser Steve Gardner told 4BR that things are looking good for the popular contest.

"Numbers were down this year due to Whit Friday and Father’s Day, but we have already got increased sponsorship for next year and plenty of confirmed interest from bands wishing to take part. Give us some nice weather and there is no better place to hold a march and hymn tune contest than here."

Results:

1. Marsden Silver
2. City of Bradford
3. Elland Silver
4. Elland Youth
5. Littleborough
6. Hebden Bridge Juniors

Adjudicator: David Read MBE

Section Awards:
Third: Elland Silver
Fourth: Littleborough

Best Calderdale Band not in prizes: Hebden Bridge Juniors
Best Instrumentalist: Richard Fox (Elland Youth)
Road March: City of Bradford
Smartest Bandsman: Richard Knight (Elland Silver)
Deportment: Elland Silver