Whitburn Band successfully defended their West Lothian Challenge title with 'space' to spare at Howden Park in Livingston on the weekend.

Under the baton of Craig Anderson, a set that touched on all things intergalactic — from the opening section of 'Music of the Spheres' through 'Starlight' featuring flugel soloist Caroline Farren, a new 'Bowie for Bones' trombone trio from Andrew Duncan, 'Space Invaders' by Andy Scott and 'Galaxies' by Carl Davies, saw them claim the title for the third time in four years.

First place

Whitburn took first place from adjudicator Marieka Gray for 'Quality of Performance' and from Alan Fernie judging 'Programme Content', whilst they were placed second by David Hamilton for 'Entertainment & Presentation.'

The band also took the 'Best Alan Fernie Composition' prize for their performance of his work 'Alba' that was neatly slotted into their programme, with the 'Diamond Dogs' trombone team of Dan Eddison, Gerard Hennan, Charlie Farren taking the 'Best Group Feature' accolade for their David Bowie musical tribute.

Positive performance

Speaking after the results Band Manager Charlie Farren stated that the band was delighted that their 'Space' theme saw them take home the West Lothian honours for the seventh time since 2002: "It was a very positive performance from the band. From start to finish we gave a solid account of ourselves.

It was a well balanced programme — everything from the visual effects to the choreography. I thought we did really good, solid job today."

Fore

He also paid tribute to conductor Craig Anderson who took his opportunity at the helm after helping with Whitburn's preparations for the Scottish Championship and Europeans earlier in the year.

"It's been great working with Craig,"Charlie added. "He really came to the fore, his programme was solid, he worked the band incredibly hard under difficult circumstances and we managed to pull it out of the bag..."

Charlie revealed that after their eagerly anticipated summer break the band will set their sights on securing a hat-trick of wins at the Land o' Burns event in Troon before pinpointing their efforts towards the National Final at the Royal Albert Hall.

Entertainment

Runner-up for the third since 2011 was Kingdom Brass conducted by Paul Drury, although they certainly showed their entertainment credentials by claiming the 'Most Entertaining Performance' award alongside the 'Best New Arrangement' prize for 'Kingdom Dance' written by their MD.

The final podium slot went to Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass directed by Charles Keenan, ahead of Bon-Accord Silver, for whom solo trombone Mark Boyd took the 'Best Soloist' award, Kirkintilloch and Lochgelly.

It was a very positive performance from the band. From start to finish we gave a solid account of ourselvesWhitburn Band Manager, Charlie Farren

Results:

Adjudicators:
Mareika Gray, Alan Fernie, David Hamilton

1. Whitburn (Craig Anderson)
2. Kingdom Brass (Paul Drury)
3. Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Charles Keenan)
4. Bon-Accord Silver (Steve Malcolm)
5. Kirkintilloch (John Boax)
6. Lochgelly (Paul McKelvie OBE)

Most Entertaining Performance: Kingdom Brass
Best New Arrangement: 'Kingdom Dance' (Paul Drury) — Kingdom Brass
Best Solo Item: Mark Boyd (trombone) — Bon-Accord Silver
Best Alan Fernie Composition or Arrangement: 'Alba' (Whitburn)
Best Group Feature: 'Bowie Bones' (Whitburn)