Desford Colliery Brass Band has been crowned the UK’s best brass band after winning the prestigious National Brass Band Championship Final at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the first time in 34 years.
On Saturday (October 11), the Leicestershire ensemble triumphed over 18 of the country’s finest bands to lift the coveted Challenge Trophy and secure the title of National Champion Band of Great Britain.
Photo credit: Chappers Photo / chappersphoto.co.uk
No-one was more surprised by the victory than the band themselves, as most of the players were in a local South Kensington pub and received the news by WhatsApp.
Tim Jones, Director & Event Manager for Kapitol Promotions said ‘It was probably the quietest winner’s announcement I’ve ever experienced! Normally the stage fills instantly with jubilant players, but this time we had to wait a few minutes while everyone sprinted over from the pub. Desford Colliery is a legendary name in brass banding, synonymous with historical National success, so this result is fantastic for Midlands banding. It also shows that anyone can win the biggest prize in banding on the day! We’re incredibly honoured to continue holding our flagship event at this iconic venue and can’t wait for next year’s edition”.
Founded in 1898, the Desford Colliery Band is widely considered to be one of the world’s finest brass bands, as well as one of its most successful. The 25-piece ensemble has performed all over the world, recorded award winning albums and continue to be at the forefront of British music making. They have won world and European championships, and this is the fifth time they have been crowned National Champions.
Photo credit: Chappers Photo / chappersphoto.co.uk
Each band in this year’s final performed Edward Gregson’s Symphony in Two Movements before a panel of three adjudicators who listened from a sealed-off box within the auditorium where they were able to hear but not see the performers ensuring impartial judging.
Now in its 80th year at the Royal Albert Hall, the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain remain a cornerstone of the UK banding calendar. The contest can trace its roots back to 1900, with the current format established in 1945. The Championship Final represents the culmination of a season that began earlier this year with regional qualifiers involving over 500 bands across eight regions: London & the Southern Counties, Midlands, North of England, North West, Scotland, Wales, West of England, and Yorkshire.
