Fresh from their success in becoming North of England Second Section Regional Champion in March, Felling Band added the picnic entertainment title honours at the Durham County Brass Band Association contest.

Held at The Story on the outskirts of Durham City it attracted a fine field of 10 bands, each of which provided adjudicator Stephanie Binns and the audience with an excellent selection of programmes.

Great success

The event proved to be a great success on its return for the first time since 2022, with fine weather and over 1500 people taking the opportunity to sit and listen throughout the day.

The best came from the confident Felling team led by Jason Smith who claimed the George Bamfritt Memorial Shield and £250 first prize with a set that opened with 'Olympic Fanfare and Theme' by John Williams, followed by 'The Second Star to the Right' by Sammy Cahn and Sammy Fish.

A super swagger march rendition of 'The Cossack' by William Rimmer was contrasted by 'Be Thou My Vision' arranged Andrew Wainwright, before they finished with the upbeat 'Balkan Dance' by Etienne Crausaz.

Second place went to welcome North West visitors Valley Brass (Haydock) with the final podium spot claimed by North of England First Section Champion Durham Miners Association.

Flugel player Nicola Evans of Bearpark & Esh Colliery deservedly claimed the 'Best Soloist' award for her lovely rendition of 'First Light'.

Had it all

Adjudicator Stephanie Binns said that it had been "a fantastic line up of bands" as she pointed out that there had been roughly 50 pieces played with no duplicates.

She commended the MDs and added that there had been "some excellent performances", although the winning band "had it all with its playing, choreography and sheer enthusiasm from the first note to the last."

Over the moon

Reflecting on their victory, Felling took to Facebook to state: "We are absolutely over the moon!! What a team! And our soloists were fantastic! Thanks to the Durham County Brass Band Association for bringing the 'Picnic in the Park' contest back to our diaries and to everyone who makes the event happen!

Thanks also to Stephanie Binns for our brilliant, detailed remarks and placing, and to MD Jason Smith who works so hard to bring out our very best performance on the day."

New trophy

The band also took time to thank their banding friends who helped them on the day before adding that they were "very honoured" to receive the new George Bramfitt Memorial Shield — the pioneering spirit behind the event.

That was also something Hugh Stephenson, President of the Association spoke about to 4BR when he reflected on the success of day.

"The presentation of The George Bramfitt Memorial Trophy was special,"he said.

"George was a brass band stalwart involved in the North of England Brass Band Championships and as President of the Association. It was actually George's idea to host an outdoor entertainment contest many years ago".

Sponsor thanks

The contest was kindly sponsored by Oldroyd Musical Instruments, and Vertu Motors PLC, and was supported by the Barbour Foundation, the Sir James Knott Trust, the Durham Freemasons Charity and Durham Rotarians. The organisers also thanked Durham County Councillors Elizabeth Scott and Liz Brown for funding the hire of the park and ride facilities adjacent to the venue.

We are absolutely over the moon!! What a team! And our soloists were fantastic!Felling Band

Result:
Open Section:

Adjudicator: Stephanie Binns

1. Felling (Jason Smith)
2. Valley Brass (Haydock) (Dave Chadwick)
3. Durham Miners Association (Stuart Gray)
4. EDMG Peterlee (Lewis Wilkinson)
5. Trimdon Brass (Andrew Hall)
6. Bearpark & Esh (Gavin M Brown)
7. Spennymoor Town (Fiona Casewell)
8. Dunston Silver (Fraser Hodgson)
9. Billingham Silver (Vaughan Evans)
10. Craghead Colliery (Rob Collinson)

Best First Section Band: Valley Brass
Best Second Section Band: Felling
Best Third Section Band: Trimdon Brass
Best Fourth Section Band: Billingham Silver

Best Instrumentalist: Nicola Evans (flugel) — Bearpark & Esh Colliery