20 bands took part over two days in the recent BBLNI 'Brass in Concert' Championships in Fivemiletown, Northern Ireland.

Held at the excellent Valley Hotel, the event has expanded in recent years to include a Friday night concert featuring local, non-contesting bands, whilst the contest itself saw seven bands play to a large and appreciative audience — including for the first time, two local school bands from Omagh Academy and Enniskillen Grammar.

Winners

Saturday got off to a great start with some excellent performances in the Fourth Section, with Poyntzpass eventually securing victory along with the 'Most Entertaining Band' award.

A fine rendition of 'Home Again' saw them also take the 'Best March' prize, whilst Letterbreen's Nigel Armstrong took the 'Best Soloist' accolade with a fine rendition of 'Blue Moon'

Clean sweep

Wellington Memorial once again secured a clean sweep in the Third Section, continuing their excellent run of contesting form over the last two years under Gary Proctor.

They claimed the 'Most Entertaining Band', the 'Best March' prize, with their rendition of 'Glorious Victory' and the 'Best Soloist' prize with Graham McNamara's horn solo 'Goodbye to Love'.

A tightly fought Second Section saw defending champion Roughan reclaim their title under new MD Stephen Crooks. They secured first place in both music and entertainment, took the 'Best March' prize with 'The Cornish Cavalier' with principal cornet, Andrew Gordon also claiming the 'Best Soloist' accolade.

Battle of the Bands

The day was rounded off by a cracking top section battle which really impressed adjudicators Alan Morrison and Frank Sweeney.

A moving rendition of the soprano cornet solo 'On with the Motley' gave Murley's James Cooke his third 'Best Soloist' prize at this event in the last four years.

1st Old Boys took the 'Best March' with 'The Champions', but it was Laganvale (Metal Technology) who took first prize overall, giving their conductor Stephen Crooks a personal double at the event.

To cap things off, Laganvale were also adjudged the 'Most Entertaining Band' with their themed programme 'Darkness into Light' featuring music by Peter Graham, Ben Hollings and local composer, Brendan Breslin.

Thanks

An event spokesperson told 4BR: "The Brass Band League NI would like to congratulate all the prize-winners and all competing bands for a fantastic day of music making and entertainment.

Adjudicator Alan Morrison noted how the standard of both playing and entertainment programming had improved massively across all sections since he last adjudicated in Northern Ireland some nine years ago.

We also thank Greg Williamson and his team at the Valley Hotel for all their support, without which the event would not have been possible."

Adjudicator Alan Morrison noted how the standard of both playing and entertainment programming had improved massively across all sections since he last adjudicated in Northern Ireland some nine years ago4BR

Results:

Adjudicators: Alan Morrison (Music) & Frank Sweeney (Entertainment)
Music/Entertainment=Total

Championship Section:

1. Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band (Stephen Crooks): 10/10=20
2. 1st Old Boys Association Silver Band (Stephen Cairns): 9/8=17
3. Downshire Brass (Michael Alcorn): 8/7=15*
4. Murley Silver Band (William Hill): 6/9=15*
5. Third Carrickfergus Band (Brian Connolly): 7/6=13

*Music mark takes precedence
Most Entertaining Band: Laganvale
Best March: 1st Old Boys
Best Soloist: James Cooke (Murley)

Second Section:

1. Roughan Silver Band (Stephen Crooks): 10/10=20
2. CWA Brass (Ernie Ruddock): 9/8=17*
3. Ballyduff Silver Band (William Hill): 8/9=17*

Most Entertaining Band: Roughan Silver Band
Best March: Roughan Silver Band
Best Soloist: Andrew Gordon (Roughan)

Third Section:

1. Wellington Memorial Silver Band (Gary Proctor): 10/10=20
2. Dungannon Silver Band (Boris Pinto): 9/9=18
3. Dynamic Brass (Harold Whan): 8/8=16

Most Entertaining Band: Wellington Memorial Silver Band
Best March: Wellington Memorial Silver Band
Best Soloist: Graham McNamara (Wellington)

Fourth Section:

1. Poyntzpass Silver Band (Bobby Davidson): 10/10=20
2. Letterbreen Silver Band (Robert Wilson): 9/9=18

Most Entertaining Band: Poyntzpass Silver Band
Best March: Poyntzpass Silver Band
Best Soloist: Nigel Armstrong (Letterbreen)