Crowds once again flocked to the iconic Hardraw Scar Brass Band Festival in Wensleydale on the weekend, where there was plenty of great entertainment provided by the competing bands.

Waterfall

Thirteen competitors from across the country competed in the contest which takes place in the shadow of the famous Hardraw force waterfall.

The unique setting ensures the audience arrives early to get secure their favourite positions in the gorge, with the more resourceful spectators arriving with table cloths and cut glass!

Leyburn success

Section B for Fourth Section and Ungraded Bands was won by Leyburn, with the band impressing adjudicator Ian Brownbill to such an extent that they were awarded the highest overall mark of any competitor on the day — a real triumph for the local Dales band under MD Rebecca Lundberg.

The band also won the prizes on offer for ‘Best Basses’, ‘Best March’ and ‘Best Hymn Tune’.

Hade Edge entertain

Meanwhile, the Section A title was retained by Hade Edge who were also awarded the prize for the ‘Most Entertaining Programme’, which saw the band start with several of their members marching onto the podium with Leigh Baker’s, ‘Saints Fantasy’.

The four results were completed by Otley, Shirland Welfare and Besses’ o’ th Barn, who were competing at Hardraw for the first time since their victory in 1889!

Fantastic day

The organisers told 4BR: "It was another fantastic day — and the audience left happy and so did the bands. We are already looking forward to next year’s contest which will take place on the 13th of September."

The unique setting ensures the audience arrives early to get secure their favourite positions in the gorge, with the more resourceful spectators arriving with table cloths and cut glass!4BR

Result:

Section A: (Championship/First/Second/Third)

1. Hade Edge — 194
2. Otley — 193
3. Shirland Welfare — 192
4. Besses o’ th’ Barn — 189
5. Durham Miners Welfare — 187

Best Soloist: Besses o’ th’ Barn
Best Hymn: Shirland Welfare
Best March: Otley

Most entertaining programme: Hade Edge
Original Brass Band Composition: Hade Edge
Youngest players: Charlotte Lumley (Shirland), Nathalie Poulter (Shirland), Lauren Pilkington (Coleshill), Callum Pilkington (Coleshill)

Section B: (4th and Ungraded Bands)

1. Leyburn — 195
2. Knaresborough Silver — 189
3. Shepherd Group Concert Brass — 188
4. Coleshill — 183

Best March: Leyburn
Best Hymn: Leyburn
Best Solo Shepherd Group: Concert Brass
Best Basses: Leyburn