*
banner

Black Dyke round off year with annual awards

The Yorkshire Champion has handed out its annual awards at its recent Huddersfield Town Hall concert

Black Dyke
  Gareth Hand, Adam Bokaris and Ben Wright were presented with the awards

Black Dyke recently enjoyed their final concert of the year at a packed Huddersfield Town Hall.

In addition to the music making Yorkshire champion also took the opportunity to present their annual awards.

Awards

The 'Pondasher of the Year' chosen by Director of Music Prof Nicholas Childs to the person who embodies the ethos of the Queensbury band went jointly to euphonium player Ben Wright and principal percussionist, Gareth Hand.

The 'Bandsperson of the Year', chosen by the went to solo euphonium, Adam Bokaris.

In addition, the Chandos Bursary donated by Paul and Sally Billing went to flugel player Phoebe Mallinson flugel and Eb tuba, Charlie Cresswell.

Home from home

Speaking to 4BR, Prof Childs said: "It is always a wonderful to perform at a packed hall in Huddersfield. It becomes a Pondasher home from home for the night.

Ben and Gareth sum up everything that Black Dyke Band stands for, whilst Adam has made such an impact as an outstanding instrumentalist. The Chandos Award to Phoebe and Charlie gives further opportunity for personal development, and I am very grateful to Paul and Sally Billing for their generosity."

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    


Philip Sparke

Dutch National Championship headed by Sparke

March 25 • 'Perihelion: Closer to the Sun' will test the top section bands at this year's Dutch National Championships.


Mark Glover

Glover fits Sterling relaunch

March 25 • Sterling Musical Instruments has welcomed euphonium player Mark Glover to its roster of Performance Artists, following the relaunch of the brand.


Morton

Morton takes Desford baton

March 25 • David Morton is set to strengthen ties with National Champion by becoming Musical Director.


ConsTest

Enjoy ConsTest action on NXTOD

March 25 • You can enjoy a packed day of own-choice test-piece action from the ConsTest contest thanks to NXTOD.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Back row cornet vacancy. . Instrument available


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Percussion - kit vacancy. . Pearl & mapex kits available . Own bandroom, no additional setting up between rehearsals


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • 2nd Euphonium vacancy. . Flexible rehearsals available to support band-home life balance


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd