The culmination of the 100th National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain took place on October 15th

in London’s World famous Royal Albert Hall. Defending champions Brighouse & Rastrick (B&R) conducted by Yamaha development artist David King magnificently performed this year’s test piece – Breath of Souls by Paul Lovatt‐Cooper taking the band to their second consecutive win of this prestigious title.

Yamaha instruments including nine Xeno B♭cornets, a Xeno Soprano Cornet, two Neo BB♭Basses, an E♭Bass and two Xeno B♭/F trombones played a huge part in helping B&R achieve this historic win. B&R, along with the 19 other competing bands also used the concert percussion instruments supplied by Yamaha as part of the sponsorship of the Championships. In total, three Yamaha development artists were involved in Brighouse & Rastrick’s winning performance, with David King conducting, Simon Gresswell on principal BB♭Bass and also Euphonium artist Steve Walsh making his competitive debut as Principal Eb Bass. Other success in the competition for Yamaha artists included a close second place for the Fairey band, conducted by Yamaha Cornet artist Russell Gray. Their performance was contributed to by Yamaha development artist Katrina Marzella as Principal Baritone. Also in the prizes was the Carlton Main Frickley Band conducted by Yamaha cornet artist Phillip McCann. Finishing in 6th place, many felt that their performance should have been rewarded with a top three finish. After all the excitement of the National Brass Band Championships, we now look forward to the Brass in Concert Championships in association with Yamaha and the British Bandsman, held in November at the magnificent Sage Concert Hall in Gateshead!.