The sun certainly shone on Strata Brass on the weekend as they continued their excellent run of contesting form by winning the Whiston Festival of Brass title for the second time in three years.

Quality

Under the baton of MD, Derek Renshaw, the Yorkshire Area First Section National Finalists showed their quality in securing a commanding five point winning margin over rivals, Chapletown Silver, with Shirland Welfare Miners a further two points back in third.

It was the band's third victory in just five contest outings under the direction of their experienced MD, following victories at the Kippax Entertainment in November last year and the North East Midlands Contest in February.

Entertained

Strata certainly entertained both the packed audience and adjudicators Kevin Wadsworth and entertainment judge Dr. Daniel Fretwell with a set that opened with the fast paced 'The Waltonian' march, followed by the relaxing lyricism of 'Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair', played splendidly by David Shipman on euphonium.

Further contrasts came with 'Valero' and the vocal talents of Terry Milner in 'Busy Line', before principal cornet Danny Bell gave a sparkling rendition of 'Virtuosity' that led into the finale of the 'Brassed Off Fantasy'.

Not only did the band claim the overall first prize but also took the 'Most Entertaining Band' and 'Highest Placed First Section Band' awards alongside soprano player Steve Scarf's 'Best Instrumentalist' prize.

Rotherham victory

In the Junior and Training Section Section it was the excellent Rotherham Schools Youth conducted by Jeremy Wade that came out on top ahead of a brace of fine performances from Lions Junior Brass and Thurlstone Training.

Hot weather

A contest spokesperson told 4BR: "The sun was out and the sky was blue after an early morning deluge. It was a splendid day with lots of positive feedback — especially with the additional attractions for the family such as the stars of 'Frozen', who didn't complain about the hot weather either."

They added: "With eight bands taking part in the main events all went well although we had to curtail the marching due to the size of the packed audience.

We also were thrilled to have attracted three Junior and Training bands this year who gained perhaps the loudest applause of the day for their brilliant efforts."

The Festival Concert was provided by the Hatfield Band conducted by Stan Lippeatt.

Next year's contest takes place on Saturday 2nd July.

We also were thrilled to have attracted three Junior and Training bands this year who gained perhaps the loudest applause of the day for their brilliant effortsEvent spokepserson

Results:
Music Adjudicator: Kevin Wadsworth

1. Strata Brass (Derek Renshaw) — 190
2. Chapeltown Silver (Andrew Dennis) — 185
3. Shirland Miners Welfare (Lynden Cooper) — 183
4. Maltby Miners Welfare (Terry Clifford) — 179
5. Dronfield (Genquip) (Simon Kerwin) — 178
6. Loxley Silver (Lee Dunkley) — 175
7. Thurlstone Brass (Graham Bates) — 171
8. Altofts & Normanton (Ian Hartsorne) — 170

Most Entertaining Band: Strata Brass
Best Instrumentalist: Steve Scarf (soprano) — Strata Brass

Highest Placed First Section Band: Strata Brass
Highest Placed Second Section Band: Chapeltown Silver
Highest Placed Third Section Band: Maltby Miners Welfare
Highest Placed Fourth Section Band: Loxley Silver

Junior & Training Section

1. Rotherham Schools Youth (Jeremy Wade)
2. Lions Junior Brass (Tom Hancock)
3. Thurlstone Training (Graham Bates)