There was an impressive line-up of competing bands at this year's GBBA contest in Churchdown in Gloucestershire with adjudicator Christopher Binns given the difficult task of separating out the high standard of test-piece performances.

Fine account

Bands from as far as Leicestershire, Wales and Oxfordshire were led by an equally impressive Lydbrook conducted by David Barringer, giving a fine account of Philip Wilby's 'Lowry Sketchbook' to take the honours and dominate the individual awards on offer.

Usk Band enjoyed their short trip over the border as they showcased Gareth Wood's 'Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden' to end runner-up, with local favourites A W Parker (Drybrook) in third with their rendition of Malcolm Arnold's 'Fantasy for Brass Band'.

The top-six was completed by Wantage Concert Brass ('Mountain Views') ahead of Forest of Dean Brass ('Journey into Freedom'), whilst sixth placed Harborough Band gave an early airing to Thierry Delruyelle's WMC Kerkrade 2026 set-work 'Black Gold'.

There was also a premiere of 'Nightfall', composed by David Pilkington-Crowe performed by Lydney Town.

Welcome debutants

Earlier the composer led the first of six Unregistered and Training Band performances, as he conducted welcome debutants, Pate's Brass Band.

The fantastic ongoing work of Lybrook and Lydney in inspiring the next generation was also seen and heard with the performances of their Training Bands led by Robert Morgan and Kevin Ford.

Also making their debuts was Kingsley Brass, formed in memory of the much-missed local trombonist Simon Kingsley.

The youngsters performed five pieces, with 8-year-old Joshua picking up the 'Youngest Player of the Day' award. There was also a great deal to enjoy with the newly formed Nailsworth Academy Band.

Eventually adjudicator Chris Binns gave the top Gold Award honours to Parkend Silver Band conducted by Louis Thomas for a set that saw their young cornet player claim the Brett Baker Denis Wick Award.

March element

The separate March element was dominated by A W Parker (Drybrook) with their performance of 'Ravenswood', with section awards going to Harborough, Lydney and City of Oxford.

Compere David Hayward thanked the GBBA committee for organising the event which gained the support of players from the Flowers Band as well as Ev-entz Music and the Gloucestershire police cadets.

Results:

Class A:

(Combined Championship- Fourth Section)
Adjudicator: Christopher Binns

1. Lydbrook (David Barringer)
2. Usk (Jamie Jones)
3. AW Parker (Drybrook) (Joshua Ruck)
4. Wantage Concert Brass (Daniel Hall)
5. Forest of Dean Brass (Martyn Patterson)
6. Harborough (Ben Smith)
7. Markham & District (Gary Davies)
8. Lydney Town (Thomas Dunne)
9. Penclawdd Brass (Alan Bourne)
10. Bream Silver (Hugh Bamford)
11. City of Bath (Jason Andrews)
12. Abbey Brass (Rob Tompkins)
13. Cheltenham Silver (Neil Brownless)
14. City of Oxford (Douglas Brown)

Test Piece Awards:

Best Championship Band: A W Parker (Drybrook)
Best First Section Band: Lydbrook
Best Second Section Band: Harborough
Best Third Section Band: Lydney Town
Best Fourth Section Band: Abbey Brass

March Awards:

Best Championship Band: A W Parker (Drybrook)
Best First Section Band: Lydbrook
Best Second Section Band: Harborough
Best Third Section Band: Lydney Town
Best Fourth Section Band: City of Oxford

Special Awards:

Best Soloist: Solo Cornet (Lydbrook)
Best Horn Section: Wantage Concert Brass
Best Trombone Section: Lydbrook
Best Bass Section: Markham & District
Best Percussion Section: Lydbrook
Best Flugel: A W Parker (Drybrook)
Best Euphonium: Lydbrook
Outstanding Contribution: George Stratford (Forest of Dean Brass)

Section B:

(Youth, Training and Unregistered Bands)
Adjudicator: Christopher Binns

Parkend Silver Band (Louis Thomas) — Gold Award
Lydbrook Training Band (Robert Morgan) — Gold Award
Lydney Training Band (Kevin Ford) — Gold Award
Nailsworth Academy (Samual Gawthorne) — Gold Award
Pate's Brass Band (David Pilkington Crowe) — Silver award
Kingsley Brass (Paul McLaughlin) — Bronze Award

Best Youth Section: Euphonium and Baritone (Lydney Training Band)
Youngest Player: Kingsley Brass
Most players aged 14 or under: Pate's Brass Band