A highly successful day was enjoyed at the recent Durham County Brass Band Association 'Festival of Brass' held at East Durham College in Peterlee.

13 bands competed across three sections for a total prize fund of over £1000 and a plethora of prizes and individual awards.

Title winners

The Section A title went to North Skelton led by Lewis Wilkinson, thanks to their fine rendition of 'The Saga of Tyrfing' by Jacob Vilhelm Larsen, whilst the honours in the B Section were claimed by Jayess Newbiggin conducted by Andy Griffiths playing 'Labour and Love' by Percy Fletcher.

Two excellent youth bands certainly showcased their talents, with Houghton Area Youth conducted by Glenis Smith eventually coming out on top with their performance of 'A Northumbrian Suite' by Stuart Johnson.

Very impressed

Adjudicator Leigh Baker stated: "I was very impressed with the overall standard with some particularly fine performances taking home the silverware.

The venue was perfect for a festival atmosphere and the support was excellent throughout the day. My congratulations go to all the bands and conductors and to the organisers for their warm welcome."

Real success

Hugh Stephenson, Vice President of the Association told 4BR: "From our feedback the contest was a real success with the auditorium packed for all performances.

It was lovely to welcome Kippax to their first contest as an Association member band, and it would be nice to see a few more bands enter to make the Festival bigger and better next year."

An added attraction to the contest this year was cash prizes presented to the youngest player in each section playing in a principal position. Sponsorship was kindly given Ian Clayton from local company Stellion Limited.

From our feedback the contest was a real success with the auditorium packed for all performances Hugh Stephenson, Vice President of the Association

Results:

Section A:

Adjudicator: Leigh Baker

1. North Skelton (Lewis Wilkinson)
2. Kippax (Ian Knapton)
3. Bearpark & Esh Colliery (Phillip Tait)
4. Durham Miners Association (Stuart Gray)
5. Ferryhill Town (Gareth Sykes)
6. Cockerton (Peter Elcoat)

Best Soprano: Ian Fullerton (Cockerton)
Best Principal Cornet: Nigel Darbyshire (Kippax)
Best Percussion: North Skelton
Best Middle Band: North Skelton

Section B:

Adjudicator: Leigh Baker

1. Jayess Newbiggin (Andy Griffiths)
2. Spennymoor Town ( Fiona Casewell)
3. Marske Silver (James Chisholm)
4. Lanchester ( Tom Yates)
5. Craghead (John Robson)

Highest Fourth Section Band: Spennymoor Town
Best Basses: Spennymoor Town
Best Principal Cornet: Dennis Todd (Jayess Newbiggin)
Best Euphonium: George Cuthbertson (Jayess Newbiggin)
Best Trombone Section: Jayess Newbiggin

Youth Section:

1. Houghton Area Youth (Glenis Smith)
2. Egglescliffe School (Matthew Haworth)

Image: courtesy of Yvonne Wood