The National Finals -What a weekend!

What a weekend for the band, as we were rewarded with a top 6 finish at the finals of this year’s National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall.

The band gave a performance of the set work, 'Symphony in Two Movements' to be proud of, earning praise from the adjudicators and a fantastic reception from the audience.

Band Manager Yvonne Embury said: "We'd like to say a really big thank you to everyone for all the kind comments and support.

A special thank you to Reliance Precision Limited (Welcome to Reliance - Home - Reliance Precision Limited) for their generosity in helping us with the cost of the coach and to everyone who supported our fundraising events to help us on our way.

A huge thank you to our Music Director Ryan Watkins for all of his hard work and musicianship. Congratulations to this years champions Desford Colliery Band, and to all the other prize winners and competitors for a day full of fantastic performances".

The results in full:

Test Piece: Symphony in Two Movements (Edward Gregson)
Adjudicators: Ian Bousfield; Dr Stephen Cobb; Prof Rob Wiffen OBE

1. Desford Colliery (David Morton)*
2. Black Dyke (Prof Nicholas Childs)*
3. Flowers (Paul Holland)*
4. Whitburn (Chris Shanks)*
5. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof David King)
6. Hepworth (Ryan Watkins)
7. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
8. Ebbw Valley (Matthew Rowe)
9. the cooperation band (Katrina Marzella-Wheeler)
10. Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins)
11. Foden's (Russell Gray)
12. GUS Band (David Thornton)
13. Leyland (Daniel Brooks)
14. Aldbourne (Glyn Williams)
15. NASUWT Riverside (Stephen Malcolm)
16. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
17. Zone One Brass (Richard Ward)
18. City of Hull (Jonathan Beatty)
19. St Dennis (Darren R. Hawken)

Best Instrumentalist: Kevin Crockford (soprano) — Desford Colliery

*Top four bands pre-qualify for 2026 National Final