GOLBORNE Brass Band – with a healthy contingent from the Warrington area – took a first prize in the North West Regional Brass Band Championships at Blackpool.
The band competed against 14 other bands for the title of 4th Section North West champions, took first prize and now qualify for a place in the National Finals at Cheltenham in September.
Conducted by Les Webb, who has played in many of the top bands in the country, the band showed the progress they have made over the last 12 months.
Performing Darrol Barry’s work Hungerford Town, a challenging test for the most able of bands, the band focussed on performing musically and colourfully to take the title.
In addition, Ian Twiss won the only individual award of the competition for best Soprano Cornet. A special mention was also given to the percussion section who
delivered an outstanding performance on a demanding part.
Golborne’s result at this year’s competition will also secure them promotion from the fourth section to the third section from 2024. This means that the band will be working towards a more difficult performance next year, against a new group of competing bands.
Chairman Peter Jackson said, “The band’s win brings 12 months of hard work and dedication to fruition. Representing the North West in Cheltenham is a great honour and the band is looking forward to a fabulous and exciting future.”
Golborne Band prides itself on its links to the local community, including its proud mining heritage. The band, including players from Warrington, Wigan and beyond was first formed in 1847, and last year celebrated its 175th anniversary.
Three current players in Golborne Band began their musical journeys in Warrington Youth Band, principal cornet Christine Clements, euphonium player John Rigby and repiano cornet Mark Blakeson.
Cornet and percussionist Alex Clare also began playing in the local area having played for Padgate and Latchford bands before joining Golborne.
In 2021, Golborne Training Band formed to support musicians of all ages and abilities to learn a brass instrument and the band plays frequently in the Warrington area.
