Brighouse wins British Open
In the wake of the news that saddened and shook the Nation last week, fitting tributes were made at the British Open in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, not least of which were some fine performances of Edward Gregson’s ‘The World Rejoicing — Symphonic Variations on a Lutheran Chorale’ from 18 of the best bands in Great Britain. Following a three year hiatus, the British Open title was awarded by esteemed adjudicators Martyn Brabbins, Dr Robert Childs and Stephen Roberts to Brighouse & Rastrick. Having drawn number 13, Brighouse proved that it was certainly not ‘unlucky for some’ giving a scintillating performance under the direction of Professor David King. The band’s first British Open victory in 44 years also earned Brighouse the opportunity to represent England at the 2024 European Championships in Palanga.
Runners-up Foden’s, who had the tough job of following Brighouse’s winning performance, had to be content with second place on this occasion, but were able to take some consolation from soprano player, Richard Poole’s individual honours. Other solo award winners included trombonist Christopher Binns (Grimethorpe) and euphonium soloist Peter McDonough (WFEL Fairey). Third place was awarded to Aldbourne, with the previous champions Cory having to be satisfied with fourth. The remaining top six positions were completed by Tredegar and Grimethorpe.
Full results can be viewed below and a detailed retrospective of the 168th British Open will appear in the next issue of Brass Band World Magazine.
Results:
1. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof David King)**
2. Foden's (Russell Gray)
3. Aldbourne (Ivan Meylmans)
4. Cory (Philip Harper)
5. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
6. Grimethorpe Colliery (Michael Bach)
7. the cooperation Band (Glenn Van Looy)
8. Black Dyke (Prof Nicholas J. Childs)
9. Northop Silver (Gareth Brindle)
10. Hammonds (Morgan Griffiths)
11. Leyland (Thomas Wyss)
12. Flowers (Paul Holland)
13. NASUWT Riverside (Dr Ray Farr)***
14. Paris Brass Band (Laurent Douvre)
15. WFEL Fairey (Arsene Duc)
16. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Allan Withington)***
17. Desford Colliery (LMTF) (Michael Fowles)
18. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy: Chris Binns (Grimethorpe Colliery)
Brian Evans Memorial Trophy: Richard Poole (Foden's)
The Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy: Peter McDonough (WFEL Fairey)
** Receives invitation to represent England at 2024 European Championships in Palanga
*** Carlton Main Frickley Colliery and NASUWT Riverside are relegated to Grand Shield.
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