Blackburn & Darwen Band blew the opposition away at a national brass band entertainments Contest in Wychavon, Worcestershire this weekend by beating 18 other bands from the UK, Germany and Norway with their musical portrayal of the D-Day landings of World War 2.
The band’s 20 minute programme consisted of four pieces with dialogue and told the story of a farmer‘s son from Darwen being called up to fight in the war. The adjudicator was impressed with the standard of performance and loved the story telling element of their set.
Ably led by their M.D. Daniel Thomas, who was also praised by the adjudicator, they beat Brass Band Regensburg from Germany into second with Enderby Band from Leicestershire in third. The prize for Best Baritone Horns went to B&D’s own Sue Speakman and Al Brewer, a fitting tribute to their outstanding performance on the day.
The first prize of £900 will help towards their goal of achieving Championship section status (the Premier League of the brass band world), improving the standard of their flourishing Junior Band and attracting more players to their Beginner band.
Next Sunday, Remembrance Day, Blackburn & Darwen Band will be performing in Blackburn Cathedral then will march up to Corporation Park to play at the Cenotaph. They will then perform a short concert in Darwen Library Theatre at 2.00 p.m. entitled “Festival of Remembrance”. This will feature the band’s winning performance from the contest and lots of other patriotic pieces. The Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn will be in attendance. There are a few tickets remaining for this concert priced at £6 available from King George’s Hall or Darwen Library Theatre.
The Band, who recently moved into a new bandroom at Bridge Street Sports & Social Club, Darwen, are also performing over the Christmas period in a variety of venues including St Cuthbert’s Church, Darwen on Saturday 14th December.
