South Milford’s excellent contesting year continued at the recent Kippax Entertainment Contest.

Popular event

The popular event organised by the Kippax Band has become a real fixture in the contesting calendar.

This year the Second Section National champion came up against the formidable challenge of entertainment specialists and current Wychavon and Bolsover Festival of Brass winners Strata Brass, and the highly competitive Yorkshire contenders of Crofton Silver.

Great entertainment

A great evening’s entertainment was provided by all three bands with adjudicator David Lancaster commenting on the high standard of performances.

In the end it was South Milford under MD Martin Hall's fluent direction who took the £200 first prize and Keith Wardle Trophy thanks to an eclectic programme set. Strata Brass was close behind in second with the very solid Crofton in third.

Best Soloist

Maria Beazer of Strata Brass took the ‘Best Soloist’ Award for her lovely rendition of ‘Doyle’s Lament’, whilst there was a special mention to South Milford’s bumble bee xylophonist Chris Snowdon.

Delight

Martin Hall told 4BR: "I’m delighted with the bands result, as this is the first entertainment contest I have conducted them at, and to come away with the top honours against such strong competition is a real bonus."

I’m delighted with the bands result, as this is the first entertainment contest I have conducted them at, and to come away with the top honours against such strong competition is a real bonusMD, Martin Hall

Result:
Adjudicator: David Lanaster

1. South Milford (Martin Hall)
2. Strata Brass (David Holling)
3. Crofton Silver (Kevin Belcher)

Best Soloist: Maria Beazer – flugel (Strata Brass)