The North Wales Annual Championships took place at the John Ambrose Theatre in Ruthin last Sunday.

History

It was the first time the event had been held in the town, although the area has a rich contesting history that stretches back well into the 19th century.

This year’s championship was generously supported by the Ruthin Town Council, who were delighted by the response of the competing bands, especially with the splendid Youth contest involving about 200 young players in nine bands.

Cracking performane

A cracking performance by Beaumaris Youth, fresh from their performance at the Brass in Concert Championship in Gateshead under MD Gwyn Evans (above), won the day in their section, with Nantlle Training Band and Beaumaris Intermediate also leading the way in their categories ahead of excellent rivals.

In the Open Section, Llanrug directed by Paul Hughes came out on top in what is developing into a keen contesting rivalry with Deiniolen.

Sad loss

In Section 2, the unfortunate withdrawal of Newtown Silver due to the sudden death of their President, John Bennett, left Royal Buckley as the sole competitor. The sad news of his death was conveyed to the audience and a minute’s silence was held in his memory.

Four bands fought for the prizes in Section 4 with current Fourth Section National Champion, Northop Brass coming out on top.

The Iwan Williams Memorial Trophy for the best flugel player in all sections went to Caroline Prince of Royal Buckley.

It was the first time the event had been held in the town, although the area has a rich contesting history that stretches back well into the 19th century4BR

Results:
Open Section:
Adjudicator: Steve Pritchard-Jones (all sections)

1. Llanrug (Paul Hughes)
2. Deiniolen (Lois Eifion)

Best March: Llanrug
Best Soloist: Dylan Williams (cornet) — Deiniolen

Section 2:
1. Royal Buckley (Scott Lloyd)

Best March: Royal Buckley
Best Soloist: Keith Sharp (soprano) — Royal Buckley
Best Bass Trombone in Sections 2&3: Martin Bellis (Royal Buckley)

Section 4:
1. Northop Brass (David Davies)
2. Rhyl Silver (Keith Jones)
3. Porthaethwy (Gavin Saynor)
4. Holywell (Aled Williams)

Best March: Northop Brass
Best Soloist: Carol Ann Hughes (cornet) – Holywell

Section 5:
1. Nantlle Training Band (Gwenllian Jones)
2. Llandudno Training Band (Sue Hughes)

Best Soloist: Molly Smith (cornet) — Llandudno Training Band

Section 6A:
Beaumaris Youth (Gwyn Evans)
Deiniolen Youth (Osian Tomos)

Best Hymn: Beaumaris Youth
Best Soloist: Pippa Scourse (cornet) — Beaumaris Youth
Best Percussionist (Sections 6A & 6B): Tom Wright (Beaumaris Intermediate)

Section 6B:
Beaumaris Intermediate (Bethan Evans)
Porthaethwy Youth (Hannah Retallick)
Denbighshire Area Youth Band (John Powell)

Also competing:
Llanrug Youth (Dyfrig Owen)
Royal Buckley Youth (Steve Pugh-Jones)

Best Hymn: Porthaethwy Youth
Best Soloist: Gerrallt Owen (euphonium) — Llanrug