The 5th Hebden Bridge March & Hymn Tune Contest has been heralded as a great success following a weekend of fine music making in the historic village.
Concert success
The Friday evening Heritage Gala Concert saw Hebden Bridge conducted by Gareth Brindle provide an appreciative audience with a high class programme of varied repertoire, including ‘The Magic Flute’, ‘Crimond’, ‘Festive Overture’, ‘Caravan’ and ‘Procession to the Minster’.
Guest horn soloist Leslie Howie gave outstanding performances ‘Nocturno’, ‘The Piper o' Dundee’ and ‘A Time for Peace’. Leslie finished with a stunning performance of the ‘Finale’ from Mendelssohn's ‘Violin Concerto’.
Marsden triumph
The following day, the popular March Contest was won by Marsden Silver conducted by Paul Andrews, who took the Memorial Shield and Moyles Trophy by winning both musical elements.
Section awards went to City of Bradford, Elland Silver and Greenfield. Uppermill picked up the Deportment prize.
The prize as best youth band went to Elland Silver Youth, whilst their cornet player Tom Fox won the ‘Mortimer Best Instrumentalist’ Award.
Blessed
A spokesperson told 4BR: "We were again blessed with a beautiful sunny day, even if it was a little breezy! Many thanks go to all our sponsors and participating bands for another great contest."
They added: "The contest was brought to a close by Drighlington Band playing a moving rendition of ‘Crimond’ in tribute to Alan Bottomley, the man with the original vision for a march contest in the town, and who was lost to us all recently. Alan would have been very proud again today that his dream has become a reality."
Images of the contest can be found at: www.hbbb.moonfruit.co.uk
The contest was brought to a close by Drighlington Band playing a moving rendition of ‘Crimond’ in tribute to Alan Bottomley, the man with the original vision for a march contest in the town4BR
Results:
Alan Bottomley Memorial Contest:
March/Hymn Tune = Total
1. Marsden Silver (95/95) = 190
2. City of Bradford (93/94) = 187
3. Elland Silver (93/93) = 186
4. Drighlington (92/93) = 185
5. Uppermill (92/92) = 184
6. Milnrow (92/91) = 183
7. Lindley (91/91) = 182
8. Whitworth Vale & Healey (87/88) = 175
9. Elland Silver Youth (85/85) = 170
10. Greenfield (85/84) = 169
11. Littleborough (83/83) = 166
The Alan Bottomley Memorial Shield
Combined score for Hymn Tune & March: Marsden Silver
