*
banner

Otley Brass retain title

After claiming their first ever prize list year, Otley Brass kept hold of it for another year at the Hardraw Scar Contest.

 

Otley Brass Band have successfully defended the prize they won at their first ever contest at the first time of asking.

After winning the Unregistered and 4th Section Prize at Hardraw Scar in 2007, Otley Band returned this year to a somewhat wetter and muddier field to defend their title.

Better than hoped for

The results at the end of the day were better than they had hoped for. The band opened with the concert march “The Waltonian” which won the band both the March prize.

The programme then calmed down with the Maori lullaby “Hine e Hine” before the tempo was upped again with “The Galloping Major”. The band then played an arrangement of the hymn tune “St Clement”.

...the band were delighted to win every prize in the section with the exception of the Hymn Tune although this does mean that someone will have to take on the task of keeping all the silverware polishedOtley Brass

Trombone solo

Next up stepped trombone player Dan Eddison to play “Concert Variations”. Dan’s performance was well received and won him the solo prize to add to his growing number of awards.

Feeling happy

The programme drew to a close with a selection from “Orfeo” and Otley left the stage feeling happy with their performance and heading for a well deserved drink.

Peter Scott told 4BR: "When the results came in, the band were delighted to win every prize in the section with the exception of the Hymn Tune although this does mean that someone will have to take on the task of keeping all the silverware polished."

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    


Gray

Tributes for Gray as conductor announces Eccles departure

March 31 • Thanks and best wishes as 16 year partnership between Mareika Gray and Eccles Borough comes to an end.


Brass Band Week

Banding campaigns return this summer

March 31 • Brass Band Week and Proms in the Park return this Summer — so make sure you reach out and connect with your local communities.


gALASHILS

Report & Results: 2026 SBBA Solo & Ensemble Championships

March 31 • There was a fantastic day of competitive solo and ensemble action to enjoy at Bellshill Salvation Army Centre.


BBW

March Edition of Brass Band World magazine out now

March 31 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — packed with interviews, articles, reviews and news...


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Thornton Cleveleys Band

March 31 • MD VACANCY. Are you the missing piece to our FULL BAND?. We are a NW 3rd section band looking for our new MD. We are based just outside of Blackpool close to the M55 motorway. Mon+Thurs rehearsals.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd