*
banner

Report & Results: 2017 Brighouse Festival of Brass

Milnrow add to their 2017 haul of silverware with another victory — this time on the march at Brighouse.

Milnrow
  Milnrow Band added to their haul of 2017 prizes with yet another victory led by Mark Bentham.

The 18th Festival of Brass, organised by Brighouse & District Lions, featured 22 bands that produced plenty of stunning playing in the Town Hall Square.

A record breaking crowd basked in the sunshine as All England Masters Champion Milnrow showed their quality to claim the £600 first prize as well as individual awards for 'Best March', 'Best Hymn', 'Best Soloist', 'Euphonium' and 'Trombone'.

Fellow Yorkshire rivals Hammonds Saltaire came runner-up, with Hepworth in third. Section prizes headed to Marsden Silver, Skelmanthorpe Prospect, Farnworth & Walkden and Gawthorpe '85, with Elland Youth taking the Youth prize.

Dedicated

This year's event was dedicated to fonder David Horsfield who sadly passed away last October. The Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Ferman Ali welcomed everyone which began with a minutes silence for David, whilst his former band Clifton & Lightcliffe performed three pieces in tribute.

The adjudicator's were Derek Broadbent and Allan Holdsworth, whilst thanks were given to the raft of generous sponsors, Kershaw's Garden Centre, Blakeley's Fish Restaurant, Websters Insurance Services, Kirklees Music, No 43 Coffee House, Mr & Mrs Weyland Roberts and Brigitte Matthews, Calderdale Council and Kanban Crafts.

Gala Concert

The opening event of the Festival on Saturday evening featured Wardle Anderson Band conducted by Sean Conway in excellent Gala Concert form.

A packed audience at the Central Methodist Church enjoyed great entertainment from the band and featured soloists Grant Taylor, Emma Conway, Millie Mills, Harry Law, Adam Warburton and vocalist, Georgia Woodhead.

A record breaking crowd basked in the sunshine as All England Masters Champion Milnrow showed their quality to claim the £600 first prize4BR

Results:

1. Milnrow (Mark Bentham)
2. Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
3. Hepworth (Leigh Baker)

Best March: Milnrow
Best Hymn: Milnrow
Principal Cornet: Hammonds Saltaire

Best Euphonium: Milnrow
Best Soprano Cornet: Hepworth
Best Trombone Section: Milnrow
Best Soloist: (euphonium) — Milnrow
Best Basses: Hammonds Saltaire
Best Road March: Hammonds Saltaire
Best Trombones on the Road March: Hepworth

Best Deportment: Hammonds Saltaire

Best First Section: Marsden Silver
Best Second Section: Skelmanthorpe Prospect
Best Third Section: Farnworth & Walkden
Best Fourth Section: Gawthorpe '85
Best Unregistered Band: Thurlstone

Best Hymn Tune (Fourth Section): Gawthorpe '85

Best Youth Band: Elland Silver Youth
Runner-up: Bradford Youth
Best Youth Soloist: (cornet) — Elland Youth

Youth Deportment: Elland Silver Youth
Youngest Player: Max Creese (Hebden Bridge)

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd