The very popular French Open Brass Band Festival took place over the weekend of 5th June in the beautiful surroundings of Amboise.

European contenders

Bands from the North & South of France, UK, Belgium and Holland featured this year, and the opening Gala Concert featured Brass Band Nord Pas de Calais, under its conductor, Philippe Lorthios, along with the Paris & District Pipe Band.

In a programme featuring the music of Peter Graham, mainly with a Celtic theme, the French narrator added an extra touch of atmosphere to the concert, with the performance of 'Windows of the World', one of the many highlights.

March contest

Saturday morning saw the traditional March Contest with the Chateau as a back drop and the large crowd appreciating the efforts of all competing bands.

From 8.30am in the Theatre Beaumarchais, through until 6pm, the contest proper took place with 11 bands taking part in a 25 minute programme including a set test piece.

Saturday morning saw the traditional March Contest with the Chateau as a back drop and the large crowd appreciating the efforts of all competing bands4BR

Entertainment

After playing their contest performance each band played another entertainment programme outside, either by the River Loire or in the Place Michel Debre. Large crowds enjoyed the music and the sunshine.

Gala Concert

The Gala Concert featuring the EYMS Band, started at 9.00pm with the last encore after midnight!

After the interval the results and prize presentation took place, with a special tribute to the late Stuart Broadbent who was the inspiration behind this unique Festival of Brass.

Superbly led by Stan Lippeatt, EYMS played a popular programme of music, showing why they are 2009 North of England champions.

Guest Soloist

Lesley Howie was the guest soloist, and she demonstrated how beautiful an instrument the tenor horn is with two solo spots, including 'A Time for Peace' and 'Finale' from 'Concerto No. 1' by Richard Strauss. Highlights from the band were 'Hymn from Africa' and 'Procession to the Minster'.

Sunday morning saw the massed bands of Brass Band Normandy, Bordeaux and Mons, conducted by Phillip Gervais, Thierry Descamps and Pierre Dutot, provide great fun once more for the large crowds by the Chateau in the sunshine.

Results:

Elite Section:
1. Brass Band Rijnmond (Ivan Meylemans) — 116.5
2. Brass Band Nord Pas de Calais (Philippe Lorthois) — 114.25
3. EYMS (Stan Lippeatt) — 113.75
4. Exo Brass (Gildas Harnois) — 111.25
5. Brass Band Normandie (Philippe Gervais) — 109.50

Best Soloist: Thomas Callaux (trombone)BBNPC

First Section:
1. Brass Band Borgiacq (Pierre Dutot) — 111.25
2. Mons St. George (Thierry Descamps) — 110.25

Second Section:
1. B.M.P. Goodshaw Band (Graham Etherington) — 109.75

Third Section:
1. Blackley Band (Adrian Smith) — 105.25
2. Concordia (Herve Priem) — 102.25
3. Exo Brass Junior (Gildas Harnois) — 101.00

March:
1. EYMS Band
2. Brass Band Rijmnmond
3. Brass Band Nord Pas de Calais

Jury:
Pascal Eicher, Peter Graham. David Horsfield and Dennis Wilby.