The Strule Arts Centre in Omagh was the focal point of the recent Brass Bands Northern Ireland (BBNI) Spring Festival, where 14 competitors provided a super day of high-quality music-making.

Championship Section

The Championship Section honours went to Laganvale Metal Technology Band, led by MD Charles Fyffe, who saw off stiff competition from rivals to claim the top spot in a keenly fought own-choice contest.

In his pre-results address, adjudicator Martin Heartfield offered his reflections on what he felt had been a contest where some bands could have "pushed themselves a little more". It was more than "just the notes" he added. Consistency and a "firm grip of the fundamentals" were key to what he was looking for, as he noted the quality of the percussion playing before revealing that two bands stood "head and shoulders" above, with a clear winner.

That was to be Laganvale with their exhilarating rendition of Peter Graham's 'Angels & Demons' — one that Martin described in his written remarks as containing, "excellent soloists, quality technical playing, and full sounds."

It saw the band claim a heavy haul of supplementary silverware with awards for 'Winning Conductor', 'Best Basses' and 'Best Percussion' — the latter noted by the contribution of vibraphone player Tara Murphy.

Over the moon

A spokesperson for Laganvale later said: "We're over the moon to perform such a challenging piece to a very high standard. The victory was the icing on the cake, and it was great to see awards recognition for our fantastic tuba and percussion sections. We love working under Charles' wonderful leadership, and we look to the future with optimism."

Defending champion 1st Old Boys ended up just a point behind with their nicely structured account of 'St James's — A New Beginning' by Philip Harper which featured the outstanding 'Best Instrumentalist' contribution of euphonium player Alan Howarth.

Downshire Brass secured the final podium spot with a colourful 'Albinus Variations' aided by their 'Best Trombones', to finish just ahead of Third Carrickfergus ('St James's — A New Beginning'), Strabane Brass ('Tallis Variations') and Murley Silver ('A Day in the Life of a Knight').

Third Section

Earlier, the day started with the Third Section where three well matched bands provided Martin Heartfield with engaging performances.

In the end it was Portadown based St Mark's Silver conducted by Bob Quick with a super 'Saddleworth Festival Overture' by Goff Richards that took the honours — their third win in the last five years.

They also picked up the Clive McBride Memorial Trophy for 'Best Trombone Section', with a spokesperson for the band stating: "We're delighted to have won. It's incredibly rewarding to see the brass band scene in Northern Ireland going from strength to strength, and to know that St Mark's is playing a part in that journey makes the achievement even more special."

Second place went to defending champion Dynamic Brass, led by Andrew McQuiggan, with 'The Journal of Phileas Fogg' by Peter Graham, whilst Wellington Memorial Silver was third ('I, Daedalus').

Second Section

Four bands competed in the Second Section that followed, with Carrickfergus based CWA, conducted by Stephen Cairns taking the title for the first time since 2022.

Their rousing rendition of 'California Legend' by Bruce Broughton also saw them pick up awards for 'Best Conductor' and 'Best Horn Section', with soprano player Jackie Moore taking the 'Best Instrumentalist' prize.

A delighted band later said: "We chose a challenging piece in a 'California Legend', so were are thrilled to also claim the individual and section awards. The Jonathan Carroll Memorial trophy for 'Best Horn Section' is extremely poignant as Johnny used to play solo horn for the band."

2023 winner Roughan Silver took second place with their performance of 'Triptych' followed by Ballyduff Silver ('Olympus') and Comber Silver ('Laude').

Youth return

A fine day was rounded off with the welcome return of a youth band performance to the event — one provided by the talented youngsters of 1OB Youth Band conducted by Mike Whan.

They delighted the audience with 'The Avengers' theme, Dovorak's 'Largo', 'How to Train your Dragon' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' as they collected the Tom Mercer Memorial Trophy.

Band of the Year

The BBNI Bands of the Year accolades were also presented, with St Mark's Silver Band (Third Section), CWA Brass (Second Section) and 1st Old Boys (Championship Section) claiming the prizes, with the overall 'Band of the Year' prize of the coveted Haughton Cup going to 1st Old Boys.

Thanks to Denise Gilchrist and Jonathan Sproule

We're over the moon to perform such a challenging piece to a very high standard. The victory was the icing on the cake, and it was great to see awards recognition for our fantastic tuba and percussion sectionsLaganvale

Championship Section:

Adjudicator: Martin Heartfield
Own Choice Test Piece

1. Laganvale Metal Technology (Charles Fyffe): 92
2. 1st Old Boys (Jonathan Corry): 91
3. Downshire Brass (Michael Alcorn): 88
4. Third Carrickfergus (Keith Andreson): 87
5. Strabane (Brendan Coyle): 86
6. Murley Silver (Kevin Tees): 84

Best Soloist: Alan Haworth (1st Old Boys)
Best Percussion: Laganvale Metal Technology
Best Trombone Section: Downshire Brass
Best Basses: Laganvale Metal Technology
Best Soprano on the Day in all sections: Harry Lloyd (1st Old Boys)

Second Section:

Adjudicator: Martin Heartfield
Own Choice Test Piece

1. CWA Brass (Stephen Cairns): 90
2. Roughan Silver (Stephen Crooks) 88
3. Ballyduff Silver (William Hill): 85
4. Comber Silver (Paul Hamilton): 84

Best Soloist: Jackie Moore (CWA Brass)
Best Horn Section: CWA Brass

Third Section:

Adjudicator: Martin Heartfield
Own Choice Test Piece

1. St Mark's Silver (Bob Quick): 88
2. Dynamic Brass (Andrew McQuiggan): 85
3. Wellington Memorial Silver (Ryan Parks): 84

Best Trombone Section: St Mark's Silver

Youth Section:

Adjudicator: Martin Heartfield
Own Choice Test Piece

1. 1st Old Boys Youth (Mark Whan): 90