Foden’s are 2018 National Champions
Congratulations to Foden’s who have been crowned the National Champion Band of Great Britain after a stunning performance of Kenneth Downie’s ‘Handel in the Band’. Arguably the last minute preparations were probably not what the band would have wished for, with rail delays meaning that several of the players were unable to get to London in time for the start of their fabulous concert on Friday at Regent Hall as part of the Brass Arts Festival. In spite of this, the band took to the Albert Hall stage as band number 8 and delivered a blistering performance of the set work under the skilful direction of MD Russell Gray, winning them the contest.
The current British Open Champions were just pipped into second place, with the band’s solo trombone snapping up the soloist prize. Adjudicators, Paul Holland, Alan Morrison, Luc Vertommen commented that it was very hard to separate the top two bands. The final podium spot went to the outgoing champions, Brighouse and Rastrick who also delivered a great performance under Professor David King. Foden’s victory also means they have been invited to represent England in the 2020 European Brass Band Championships.
Full results can be found below and there will be a full report and review in the next issue of BBW.
Result:
1. Fodens (Russell Gray)**
2. Cory (Philip Harper)*
3. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof David King)*
4. Black Dyke (Prof Nicholas Childs)*
5. Fairey (Garry Cutt)
6. Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington)
7. Flowers (Steve Sykes)
8. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
9. Whitburn (Florent Didier)
10. Woodfalls (Dr Robert Childs)
11. Friary Guildford (Chris King)
12. Co-Operative Funeralcare (Frans Violet)
13. Virtuosi Gus (Adam Cooke)
14. NASUWT Riverside (David Roberts)
15. Desford Colliery (Michael Fowles)
16. Leyland (Thomas Wyss)
17. Thundersley (Nigel Taken)
18. City of Cardiff (Mellingriffith) (Nigel Seaman)
19. Tongwynlais Temperance (Andreas Kratz)
20. RMT Fishburn (David Hirst)
Best Instrumentalist: Chris Thomas, (trombone) Cory
* Top 4 pre-qualified for 2019 National Final
** Denotes Qualification for 2020 European Brass Band Championships
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