The Scottish Borders Brass Band Association held their annual Borders Entertainment Contest in Kelso's North Church on the weekend.

The event caters for band from Second to Fourth Section in standard, each of whom had to impress adjudicators Paul Drury, who gave voiceover remarks, alongside chief judge, Derek Broadbent who provided a written adjudication.

Each band was introduced to the audience by compere Alasdair Hutton before delivering their 15 minute programmes.

Winners

The overall winners on the day were the Lochgelly Band led by Paul McKelvie OBE, who opened with 'El Es El Senor' followed by the cornet solo 'Share My Yoke' which saw Lynsey Mcilwraith deservedly awarded the 'Best Cornet' award.

'Baby Mine' offered a neat change of style before they closed with the rhythmic vibrancy of 'Balkan Dance'.

Prizes

It enabled the band to claim the honours (as well as the 'Best Percussion' trophy) ahead of rivals Broxburn & Livingstone, with Jedforest Instrumental, who also took the special entertainment prize, in third. Section awards went to Lochgelly, Langholm Town and Peebles Burgh Silver.

There was also a great deal of excellent individual and section playing on show, with xylophone player Fiona Neary of Jedforest Instrumental deservedly taking the 'Best Soloist' Award. Patrick Boaler of Broxburn & Livingston took the 'Best Instrumentalist' award for his rendition of 'The Holy Well'.

The Borders Entertainment Contest in 2020 will be held on 7th November in Langholm.

The overall winners on the day were the Lochgelly Band led by Paul McKelvie OBE, who opened with 'El Es El Senor' followed by the cornet solo 'Share My Yoke' which saw Lynsey Mcilwraith deservedly awarded the 'Best Cornet' award4BR

Result:

1. Lochgelly Band (Paul McKelvie OBE)
2. Broxburn & Livingston (Charlie Farren)
3. Jedforest Instrumental (Phil Rosier)
4. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman)
5. St Ronans Silver (Simon Railton)
6. Selkirk Silver (Colin Kemp)
7. Shotts St Patrick (Andy Shaw)
8. Croy Silver (Kenneth Blackwood)
9. Langholm Town (Chris Shanks)
10. Peebles Burgh (Peter Holmes)
11. MacTaggart Scott (George Cameron)
12. Hawick Saxhorn (Stuart Black)
13. Queensferry Brass (James Anderson)

Overall Winner: Lochgelly Band
Entertainment Prize: Jedforest Instrumental

Best Second Section Band: Lochgelly Band
Best Third Section Band: Langholm Town
Best Fourth Section Band: Peebles Burgh

Highest Placed Border Band: Jedforest Instrumental
Best Deportment: Langholm Town Band

Best Soloist: Fiona Neary (Jedforest Instrumental)
Best Instrumentalist: Patrick Boaler (euphonium) — Broxburn & Livingston
Best Solo Cornet: Lynsey Mcilwraith (Lochgelly Band)
Best Bass Section: Broxburn & Livingston
Best Percussion Section: Lochgelly Band