National Brass Band Championships 2008

 

Black Dyke Band win historic national.....

 

Black Dyke became the most successful brass band in history by winning the 2008 National Brass Band Championships.

The competition, regarded as the FA Cup for brass bands, started with qualifying rounds at the beginning of the year, culminating with the UK's top 20 Grand Final on Saturday,11th October, at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall.

Nicholas Childs, Director of Music, commented "It is a tremendous win, when the audience started to applaud and even erupt before the band finishes, you know we had created a special performance."

Composer of the test piece, Dr Kenneth Downie, commented "I was deeply impressed by Black Dyke, an exceptional performance, so detailed and musical." Adjudication trio of David Read, James Gourlay and David King, all agreed, Black Dyke's mixture of technical brilliance and musical nuance, was enough to give them a clear victory over British Open champion Fodens, with European champion, Cory in third.

This was Black Dyke's 21st National Title making it more succesful than any other brass band in history. See below for photos of just some of the celebrations!

 

Delight from the players after the results were announced...
 

All smiles from the Euphonium/Baritone Section of the band...

 

David Thornton makes friends with the famous trophy...