The North Wales Brass Band Association Championship took place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on the weekend.

Northop retain title

Northop Silver comfortably overcame challenges from Deiniolen and Wrexham Brass in the Open Section, to retain possession of the North Wales Shield for the second successive year.

Meanwhile, Llanrug came out top in the Second Section whilst Greenalls made a successful foray from over the border to take the Third Section prize.

Keen competition

As ever, there was keen competition in the Fourth Section with Rhyl taking first place from five other bands.

Youth bands were the stars of the morning session with no less than eight ensembles competing in two categories. Beaumaris were successful in the ‘Advanced’ category whilst Deiniolen took first prize in the ‘Training’ category.

Venue Cymru proved to be popular location for the contest and the organisers report that this year has been the most successful for many years4BR

Popular location

Venue Cymru proved to be popular location for the contest and the organisers report that this year has been the most successful for many years.

Secretary, Sue Bohanna told 4BR that she was delighted by the turn out of bands and audience: "There were no withdrawals and the hall was almost full for much of the day."

The contest is generously supported by Conwy County Council and Chairman Cllr Brenda Taylor, who attended for most of the day, presented the trophies to the winning bands.

Results:
Adjudicator: David Horsfield

Open Section:
1. Northop Silver (Thomas Wyss)
2. Deiniolen (Gavin Saynor)
3. Wrexham Brass (Wayne Ruston)

Best March: Northop Silver
Best Soloist: Geraint Jones — cornet (Northop Silver)

Second Section:
1. Llanrug (Paul Hughes)
2. Newtown (Steve Edwards)
3. Royal Buckley Town (Scott Lloyd)

Best March: Llanrug
Best Soloist: Del Thomas — euphonium (Newtown)
Best Bass Trombone — Sections 2 & 3: Paul Lloyd (Newtown)

Section Three:
1. Greenalls (Karl Stott)
2. Royal Oakley (John Glyn Jones)
3. Skelmersdale Prize Band (David Chapman)

Best March: Greenalls
Best Soloist: Euphonium (Greenalls)

Section Four:
1. Rhyl Silver (Keith Jones)
2. Porthaethwy (Chris Williams)
3. Ifton (Milne Robinson)

Best March: Ifton
Best Soloist: Charlotte Green — flugel (Porthaethwy)

Youth Section 6A:
1. Beaumaris (Nicholas Hughes)
2. Porthaethwy (Mary Gaunt)
3. Llanrug (Collette Williams)

Best March: Beaumaris
Best Soloist: Elin Jones — euphonium (Beaumaris)
Best Percussionist in Section 6A & 6B: Daniel Glyn — Porthaethwy

Youth Section 6B:
1. Deiniolen (Osian Tomos)
2. Northop Training Band (Graham Williams)
3. Beaumaris Intermediate (Fred Evans MBE)

Best Hymn: Northop Training Band
Best Soloist: Alaw Prys Huws — soprano (Deiniolen)