Vita Aeterna

Had a great day spectating at the British Open Brass Band Championships at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham - reputedly the oldest competition of its kind in the world.

Seventeen bands each played a piece of music titled Vita Aeterna Variations by Alexander Comitas. The adjudicators awarded first prize to the Black Dyke band for their stunning performance; full results below.

This image shows the first band on stage preparing to open proceedings with the National Anthem in honour of Her Majesty's patronage of the competition.

Results (Musical Directors in brackets):-
1. Black Dyke (Prof. Nicholas Childs)
2. Cory (Philip Harper)
3. Flowers (Paul Holland)
4. Fodens (Allan Withington)
5. Desford Colliery (Tom Davoren)
6. Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
7. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof. David King)
8. Grimethorpe Colliery (Dr Robert Childs)
9. Fairey (Garry Cutt)
10. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
11. Leyland (Michael Bach)
12. Milnrow (Mareika Gray)
13. Virtuosi GUS (Adam Cooke)
14. Hepworth (Mark Peacock)
15. Co-operative Funeralcare (Allan Ramsay),
16. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Phillip McCann)
17. Kirkintilloch (David Roberts)

Adjudicators: John Berryman, Paul Cosh, Stephen Roberts