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)
