The EverReady Band ended a decade-long wait to reclaim the North of England Area title as they rounded off a weekend of absorbing battles in Durham with a timely reminder of their contesting quality.

Since their 36th victory in 2016 the band from Stanley had seen its dominance superseded by rivals, as NASUWT Riverside, EYMS and Easington Colliery lifted the Geneva Instruments Challenge Cup.

However, in the last 12 months they have not only secured their place back at the British Open but will now return to the Royal Albert Hall for the first time since 2023. Revived and rejuvenated, they spend the majority of Sunday night rejoicing too.

Style and musicality

It was thoroughly deserved, as reunited with conductor David Morton they gave an 'Elgar Variations' noted by adjudicator Stephanie Binns in her written remarks as, "a super performance filled with so much shape, style and musicality", whilst colleague Anne Crookston commended its "control and musicality."

The Norwegian based conductor has become one of the most sought after talents in European banding (he also took time to work with the British Army Band Catterick on his trip). It quickly became apparent why, as his appreciation of the technical and musical challenges of Martin Ellerby's score was marked by an uncomplicated clarity of transitional purpose that allowed his players to shine individually and collectively.

The announcement of the accolades for principal cornet, soprano, baritone, euphonium, basses and percussion further endorsed the hallmark of a lyrically inclined performance that balanced detail and style without once straying into pastiche.

Lovely mix

A little later EverReady elder statesman Colin Dye said he was as thrilled with this victory as any of the many others he's enjoyed at the event — and that was saying something. "We've got a lovely mix of youth and experience that grown together in the last couple of years.

Players such as Tina Mortimer (principal cornet) and Andrew Hedley (solo euphonium) bring extra confidence as well as artistry that inspires everyone around them. I think people in the audience could feel that today."

Clear

The judges certainly did; the result "clear" in their pre-results remarks with a major key being the "emotional core" of final lyrical section, where the melody line was passed tenderly across the band. The best "gave the music space" — none more so than the winner.

"What can we say?" the winner later stated on its Facebook page as they looked back at their record breaking 37th Area Championship win (they are now one ahead of Cory).

"It's been a long time coming, and it makes this one feel even more special. This didn't happen overnight. It's been built on months, years of hard work, determination and prep work from Jonny and a real sense of togetherness — and today, everything came together when it mattered most. We couldn't be prouder of every single person involved. This one means a lot."

They added: "We polished up the old Red Machine and it purred into life. We can't wait for our next spin!"

The band also took the opportunity thank their conductor, who they said had been "an inspiration" with "belief and leadership". Indeed he had.

Rivals

Tempered disappointment (although they will return to the Albert Hall for a sixth consecutive year) for defending champion NASUWT Riverside, although they must have known after following their rivals on stage they would have to deliver something special to retain their grip on the title.

It wasn't to be, despite a flowing interpretation from Prof Nicholas Childs that drew the audience in with its rich tonality and character. The minor error count though was telling and despite the forensic ensemble detailing it never quite suggested to the judges that it was able to supplant its rival.

Intriguingly though, the band will head to the Grand Shield in a few weeks' time under the baton of David Morton.

Not two way

The challenge for the title was not a two-was fight, as City of Hull came close to returning to Kensington Gore for a second successive year.

In what was the first in an absorbing tail end trio of title contender performances (Hull followed by EverReady and finally Riverside), Jonathan Beatty drew a persuasively understated 'Elgar' that would have given the judges plenty to think about in the box.

Again, it was only the minor blemishes (although not from their 'Best Trombone award winner) that just saw them fall short.

BBC team

Elsewhere, Easington Colliery, trailed for the day by a BBC documentary crew, never quite suggested that they were going to repeat their memorable 2024 victory despite Allan Withington's finely shaped reading as they ended fourth.

Meanwhile, the remaining bands produced hard working, if increasingly inconsistent accounts. Fishburn eventually finished fourth ahead of Cockerton, Shepherd Brass and Tewit Silver.

First Section:

Unexpected delight and surprise for Durham Miners Association as they claimed the First Section honours to book yet another trip to the National Finals under conductor Stuart Gray.

The admission came from their shocked representative Heather Ward after she was presented with the Les Easton Memorial Trophy, although her colleagues had already started their celebrations armed with the prizes for 'Best Trombone', 'Best Horns' and 'Best Percussion', whilst their youngest player Alex Dunphy also gained a memento to cherish.

"All we wanted was to stay in the section, let alone win it", Heather told 4BR.

It was the band's finest Area result (they were formed as an amalgamation of Broughtons Brass and Hetton Silver in 2009), although given the trajectory of their recent progress under Stuart's direction, it may not have been too much of an unexpected surprise.

Wonderfully conceived

Durham came sixth at the Second Section National Finals in 2021, and won the Area title in 2023 and 2024, consolidated their First Section position last year and have now taken yet another major step forward. As their MD later said: "What a band. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but never did I think we'd win the thing."

They did though, thanks to a wonderfully conceived performance of 'Variations on 'Was Lebet' that had an elegant delicacy and thoughtfulness threaded through it from start to finish. It not only resonated with the audience, but more importantly, did so in the box with judges Anne Crookston and David Roberts.

Short qualification

A band that will make the shortest journey to the National Final will join them in York in September.

York Railway Institute booked their place with an assured performance directed by Dr David Lancaster. As with the winner, it was also one which made a defined stylistic impression in the box (the quirky waltz in particular), built on a warmly toned ensemble balance built on the foundation of their prize-winning bass section.

The judges took time to speak about the challenges posed by Andrew Wainwright's score, although they felt the bands, and the podium finishers in particular showed an encouraging ability to just look past the obvious technical hurdles.

Just missing out was the newly named East Cleveland Brass (an amalgamation of Lockwood and North Skelton) with a confident marker off the number 1 draw under Tim Olydroyd, whilst the remaining top-six places went to well led accounts from Houghton Brass and Harrogate.

Second Section:

If a decade can be considered a long time to return to the top step of the Area podium for EverReady, then 14 years must have felt like an eternity for Felling Band.

In 2012 they claimed the Championship Section title, going on to perform at the Royal Albert Hall as well as play at the Senior Cup at the British Open Spring Festival. The intervening years though have brought challenges and having dropped to the Second Section for a second time in 2025, they have rebuilt backed by a long term sustainable strategy under MD Stephen Malcolm.

Since his return in 2025 alongside Jason Smith (who played second euph) progress has been made in solid, incremental steps — with a podium finish last year followed by victory at the Stanley Entertainment Contest last October, and now this memorable victory.

Solidity and confidence

It came from a rendition of solidity and confidence — with a cohesive ensemble balance topped by excellent soloists.

Adjudicator Stephanie Binns called it a performance that had "good direction, great soloists, great band and percussion players", whilst colleague, Martin Heartfield felt it displayed all the necessary qualities required of what he called a work that was "thickly scored but required tune to come out over a lot of decorative writing."

For the band it was well and truly "an amazing day!" as they stated on their Facebook page.

"A huge amount of work went into achieving today's result and it is so rewarding to see all that hard work finally pay off and earn us first place. Massive thanks go to Stephen Malcolm and Jason Smith who guided us to that winning position.

Well done to Daisy (best euph), Sharon (best baritone) and Yvonne (best sop) for their individual prizes. Eddie (Bb Bass player) also took home prize money for being the youngest player in the winning band."

For Stephen, it was the culmination of weeks of hard work alongside Jason and colleagues (and including his wife Yvonne who claimed the 'Best Soprano' prize). He later told 4BR: "It's fantastic for the band as they've worked their socks off."

Ellington joy

Another band enjoying the post-results celebrations was Ellington Colliery — almost as much as the immediate final note reaction of MD Clare Winter. Her joy was fully justified as they secured their first trip to the National Finals since 2022.

Just missing out on this occasion was Flookburgh led by Steven Craig as their persuasive account, as Martin Heartfield later revealed, pushed the qualifying duo close, aided by their super 'Best Basses' team.

Behind them in a contest of enjoyable accounts of colourful adventure and filmatic excitement came from well organised accounts from East Durham Medical Group Peterlee ahead of Ashington Colliery and NASUWT Concert Band.

Third Section:

There was also a victory celebration with more than a tinge of surprise in the Third Section, as Barton Community claimed the Northern Region Challenge Shield for the first time since 2018.

Formed in 2012, it was the third time under MD Gary Oglesby that they had secured the title — whilst after their last qualification in 2023 they went on to claim a podium finish at the National Final.

They will be confident of doing that once more, although such were the nerves before this result was confirmed, their band rep jumped in the air at the announcement of second place.

Any embarrassment was only short lived though as a few moments later they were able to start celebrating a deserved victory — most probably at their local White Swan pub, which has already helped kick-start their fundraising efforts to get to the National Finals.

Number 1

From the brooding darkness of the first movement, the wistful waltz of 'The Three Bells' and chuffing energy of the 'Worth Valley Railway', it was a performance rich in character, ensemble security and tasteful solo leads (notably their 'Best Euphonium', Sam Ringrose).

It was no surprise that judges Martin Heartfield and David Roberts found it to be a number 1 marker to take some beating, and little surprise that nobody eventually did.

Tussle

Close behind came a real tussle for the second qualification place, which eventually went to East Riding of Yorkshire.

MD Richard Grantham used is experience to mould a performance of atmosphere and good contesting basics (aided by some splendid 'Best Cornet' and 'Best Bass Section' contributions) as they returned to the National Finals for the first time since 2021.

Just missing out was Spennymoor Town, as they showed further evidence of their progress under Fiona Casewell, whilst there were highly encouraging performances from each of the remaining contenders

Fourth Section:

Arguably the best title winning performance of the Durham weekend came from Driffield Silver Band.

It was however a somewhat bittersweet victory on 'Indian Summer' for the band formed in 1837 and making their debut Area appearance. Just days before the contest, the death was announced of euphonium player and chairperson Mal Kellett. Any celebrations were therefore understandably tinged with sadness.

"We knew it was coming," said MD Peter Kench. "But to happen the week of our first ever Area appearance hit the band hard. It says so much about the band and the players that they performed as they did. This was as much Mal's victory as it was ours."

Deep breath

There was even a deep breath or two before a note was played on stage, although once they started the music took over in a performance of musicality and style; the opening bold and confident, the 'Cool Waters' reflective and lyrical, the 'Totem Dance' joyful and the 'Hymn to the Great Spirit' delivered with noble purpose.

Adjudicator Alan Fernie summed up his remarks by calling it, "a real performance of a very challenging piece", whilst Matthew Whitfield simply called them "an excellent band". Their principal cornet Luke Gledhill was a beacon of quality throughout, although every one of his colleagues played their part in full.

Fine form

Joining them in York for the first time since 2014 will be Swinton & District Excelsior, as the North Yorkshire band carried on their recent fine run of form under Stephen Hague with a performance of notable quality, aided by 'Best Euphonium', Rachel Dunbar.

Close behind came Cleethorpes with a performance marked by the quality of their percussion playing which won them the Elsie Gibson Memorial trophy, whilst the remaining top-six places went to Craghead Colliery, Penrith Town and Marske Brass.

New innovations

Although there were some timing issues on the Saturday that disturbed the flow of the contest day, Tony Griffiths and his excellent team of hard-working volunteers also deserved the plaudits for the way in which they once again ran the event.

Little innovations and updates to the contest have been implemented without fuss, such as multi-media presentations, whilst there are plans for further developments for next year.

Steve Jack

The announcement of the accolades for principal cornet, soprano, baritone, euphonium, basses and percussion further endorsed the hallmark of a lyrically inclined performance4BR

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicators: Anne Crookston; Stephanie Binns
Test Piece: Elgar Variations (Martin Ellerby)

1. EverReady (David Morton)*
2. NASUWT Riverside (Prof. Nicholas Childs)*
3. City of Hull (Jonathan Beatty)
4. Easington Colliery (Allan Withington)
5. Fishburn (Ray Farr)
6. Cockerton Prize (Duncan Wilson)
7. Shepherd Brass (Richard Wilton)
8. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Soprano: Andrew Bannister (EverReady)
Best Principal Cornet: Tina Mortimer (EverReady)
Best Baritone: Fiona Casewell (EverReady)
Best Euphonium: Andrew Hedley (EverReady)
Best Trombone: Danny Brooks (City of Hull)
Best Bass Section: EverReady
Best Percussion: EverReady

First Section:

Adjudicators: David Roberts; Anne Crookston
Test Piece: Variations on 'Was Lebet' (Andrew Wainwright)

1. Durham Miners Association (Stuart Gray)*
2. York Railway Institute (Dr David Lancaster)*
3. East Cleveland Brass (Tim Oldroyd)
4. Houghton Brass (Aidan Hodgson)
5. Harrogate (Craig Ratcliffe)
6. Ripon City (Gary Hallas)
7. Kirkbymoorside Town (Sarah Woodward)
8. Ferryhill Town (Mareika Gray)

* Qualify for National final

Best Trombones: Durham Miners Association
Best Horns: Durham Miners Association
Best Percussion: Durham Miners Association
Best Bass Section: York Railway Institute
Youngest player with winning band: Alex Dunphy

Second Section:

Adjudicators: Stephanie Binns; Martin Heartfield
Test Piece: 20,000 Leagues under the Sea (Philip Harper)

1. Felling Band (Stephen Malcolm)*
2. Ellington Colliery (Clare Winter)*
3. Flookburgh Silver (Stephen Craig)
4. East Durham Medical Group Peterlee (Lewis Wilkinson)
5. Ashington Colliery (Nigel Steadman)
6. NASUWT Concert Band (Michael Franey)
7. Dunston Silver (Fraser Hodgson)
8. Westoe (Mark Sidwell)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Soprano: Yvonne Malcolm (Felling Band)
Best Baritone: Sharon Smith (Felling Band)
Best Euphonium: Daisy Fern (Felling Band)
Best Bass Section: Flookburgh

Third Section:

Adjudicators: Martin Heartfield; David Roberts
Test Piece: Three Haworth Impressions (Gordon Langford)

1. Barton Community (Gary Oglesby)*
2. East Riding of Yorkshire (Richard Grantham)*
3. Spennymoor Town (Fiona Casewell)
4. Bearpark & Esh Colliery (Gavin Brown)
5. Trimdon Brass (Andrew Hall)
6. Knaresborough Silver (Nicolas Garrett)
7. North Lakes Brass (Dennis Hadfield)
8. Jayess Newbiggin Brass (Alan Fernie)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Cornet: James Kerridge (East Riding of Yorkshire)
Best Euphonium: Sam Ringrose (Barton Community)
Best Percussion: Spennymoor
Best Basses: East Riding of Yorkshire

Fourth Section:

Adjudicators: Alan Fernie; Mathew Whitfield
Test Piece: Indian Summer (Eric Ball)

1. Driffield Silver (Peter Kench)*
2. Swinton & District Excelsior (Stephen Hague)*
3. Cleethorpes (Brian Harper)
4. Craghead Colliery (Rob Collinson)
5. Penrith Town (Ian Butterworth)
6. Marske Brass (Victoria Wilson)
7. Billingham Silver (Garry Harvey)
8. Backworth Colliery (Chris Travis)
9. Tewit Community (Andy Williams)
10. Easingwold Town (Peter Woodrow)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Principal Cornet: Luke Gledhill (Driffield Silver)
Best Euphonium: Rachael Dunbar (Swinton & District Excelsior)
Best Percussion: Cleethorpes
Youngest Player with winning band: Lewis Appleton