National Victory for Black Dyke
Yesterday (Saturday 21st October) twenty bands performed Edward Gregson’s test ‘Of Men of Mountains’ at the capital’s Royal Albert Hall, to an extremely appreciative audience. Following a unique start to proceedings, that saw identical twin sopranos Classical Reflection performing the National Anthem, the performances got underway with each band vying to impress adjudicators Dr Stephen Cobb, Dr Robert Childs and Dr Roger Webster.
Several bands delivered absolutely blistering shows; however, it was last year’s runner-up, Black Dyke, playing from a number 17 draw, that was awarded the title with Dr Stephen Cobb stating that clarity and detail were amongst the deciding factors. For Foden’s, who had drawn last, the fairytale of a treble and a National Hat-trick was not to be, although they could not have been any closer, finishing in the runner-up spot. Cory and Tredegar were awarded 3rd and 4th place respectively meaning that four bands from Wales will be invited to next year’s competition. The remaining 'top six' places were filled by Brighouse and Rastrick and Hammonds. The full results can be viewed below, with a detailed review of the event appearing in the next issue of BBW.
Results:
1. Black Dyke Band (Prof Nicholas Childs)*
2. Foden's Band (Russell Gray)*
3. The Cory Band (Philip Harper)*
4. Tredegar Town Band (Ian Porthouse)*
5. Brighouse and Rastrick Band (Prof David King)
6. The Hammonds Band (Morgan Griffiths)
7. Llwydcoed Brass Band (Joshua Ruck)
8. The GUS Band (Dr David Thornton)
9. Zone One Brass (Richard Ward)
10. Aldbourne Band (Ivan Meylemans)
11. Whitburn Band (Luc Vertommen)
12. The EverReady Band (Phillip McCann)
13. Camborne Town Band (Gareth Churcher)
14. Flowers Band (Paul Holland)
15. Leyland Band (Thomas Wyss)
16. The WFEL Fairey Band (Allan Withington)
17. The cooperation band (Glenn van Looy)
18. Friary Brass Band (Nigel Taken)
19. NASUWT Riverside Band (Michael Fowles)
20. Ratby Co-Operative Band Organisation (Marieka Gray)
Best Instrumentalist: Gary Curtin (Euphonium, Foden’s)
*Pre-qualify for 2024 Championship Section Final
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