Bands competing at the famous Hardraw Scar Festival delighted a hardy audience despite the autumnal weather conditions to be found on the weekend centred on the beautiful Yorkshire Dales countryside of Wensleydale.

And while none of the programmes by the competitors featured anything from Vivaldi 's famous composition, it may well have been appropriate if those huddled around the bandstand just down from the Green Dragon Inn had heard a performance of 'The Four Seasons', such were the diverse weather conditions.

Braved

Not that the inclement conditions perturbed the enthusiastic supporters who braved the odd passing shower as a dozen bands entertained them in the gorge below the magnificent waterfall, with adjudicator Martin Heartfield discovering a new definition of open adjudication as he expertly tamed his scores and remarks in the brisk winds!

The contest is organised by the Yorkshire & Humberside Brass Band Association with sponsorship from the local Theakson Brewery whose representative Barry Gibb was on hand to present the prizes.

Leyburn on top

In Section B for ungraded, Fourth and Third Section bands, it was Leyburn Band under Rebecca Lundberg that came out on top — also winning the prizes for 'Best March', 'Best Hymn Tune' and 'Best Basses' along the way.

Shirland Welfare enjoyed their trip north from the Midlands to come runner-up, with Shepherd Group Concert Brass in third — taking the overall 'Entertainment Award' given by adjudicators Alan Seymour and Peter Coles.

The keenly fought 'Best Soloist' award went to Otley's cornet star Malcolm Sexton with a stunning rendition of 'Body & Soul'.

Wardle's winning debut

In Section A for First and Second Section bands, it was Wardle Anderson Brass (above) that took the hours under Sean Conway, aided by the addition of the 'Best March' prize on what was their first visit to the contest. Tintwistle took the 'Best Hymn' accolade as they came runner-up with Peter Haigh (trumpet/cornet) taking the solo prize, with Ferryhill in third.

it may well have been appropriate if those huddled around the bandstand just down from the Green Dragon Inn had heard a performance of 'The Four Seasons', such were the diverse weather conditions4BR

Results:

Adjudicator: Martin Heartfield

Section A:

1. Wardle Anderson Brass (Sean Conway) — 188
2. Tintwistle (Sarah Groarke-Booth) — 184
3. Ferryhill (Gareth Sykes) — 181
4. Wigston (Christopher Small) — 180

Section B:

1. Leyburn (Rebecca Lundberg) — 186
2. Shirland Welfare (Lynden Cooper) — 179
3. Shepherd Group Concert Brass (Mike Pratt) — 178
4. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall) — 176
5. Yarwell & Nassington Britannia (John Hudson) — 175
6. Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge) (James Beecham) — 174
7= Thurlstone (John Hopkinson) — 172
7= Otley (Sam Watson) — 172