2022 BBNI Festival of Brass
The popular Brass Bands Northern Ireland Festival of Brass Championships returned at the end of November after an enforced three-year Covid-19 break.
Seven bands competed at the Maldron Hotel at Belfast International Airport — each giving mini-concert programmes for a supportive audience to enjoy, as well as the judges Thomas Fountain (music) and John Ball (entertainment) to compare and contrast.
The Championship Section title was won by 1st Old Boys Band led by Dr Jonathan Corry. They swept the board taking the Harry Dalzell Section Trophy, 'Most Entertaining Band' prize and their solo baritone, Brian Downey winning the 'Best Soloist' award for his lovely performance of ‘Carrickfergus’. Runner-up Laganvale also produced a fine performance, as did third placed Third Carrickfergus Band, who aon the 'Best March' prize for TJ Powell's 'The Spaceman'.
Other section awards went to CWA Brass in the Second Section under MD David Johnston and Dungannon Silver Band led by Boris Pinto won the Third Section trophy
Results:
Championship Section:
Adjudicators:
Thomas Fountain (music) and John Ball (entertainment)
Music/Entertainment: Total
1. 1st Old Boys' Association Silver (Jonathan Corry): 10/10 = 20
2. Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band (Keith Anderson): 9/8 = 17
3. Third Carrickfergus Band (Brian Connolly): 8/9 = 17
Most Entertaining Band: 1st Old Boys
Best March: Third Carrickfergus Band (The Spaceman)
Best Soloist: Nigel Downey (baritone) — 1st Old Boys
Second Section:
Music/Entertainment: Total
1. CWA Brass (David Johnston): 10/10 = 20
2. Comber Silver Band (Wesley Thompson): 9/9 = 18
Most Entertaining Band: CWA Brass
Best March: CWA Brass (Knight Templar)
Best Soloist: Bert Shaw (trombone) — CWA Brass
Third Section:
Music/Entertainment: Total
1. Dungannon Silver Band (Boris Pinto): 10/9 = 19*
2. Dynamic Brass (Andrew Quiggan): 9/10 = 19
*Music award takes precedent
Most Entertaining Band: Dynamic Brass
Best March: Dynamic Brass (Castell Caerffili)
Best Soloist: David Johnson (cornet) — Dynamic Brass
Best Horn Section: Dungannon Silver Band
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