BLACK DYKE WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AGAIN
Black Dyke became the most successful brass band in history by retaining the 2009 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,17th October, at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall.

Nicholas Childs, Director of Music, commented "The band were in outstanding form and the audience reaction said it all, with the cheering still resounding in our ears."

Composer of the test piece, Professor Peter Graham, commented "Black Dyke's performance was full of character and brought the very best of my music out."

Adjudication trio of David Read, David King and Derek Broadbent, all agreed, Black Dyke's mixture of technical brilliance and musical nuance was enough to give them a clear victory over All England champion Fodens, with European champion, Cory in third.

This was Black Dyke's 22nd National Title making it more successful than any other brass band in history.