Triumph for Milnrow Band at championships

Milnrow Band

Milnrow Band achieved its best result ever with a performance of Derek Bourgeois’ ‘The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea’ at the North West Regional Brass Band Championships in Blackpool yesterday (Sunday 26 February).

The piece, thought by many to be a supreme test for all but the best of the top bands competing, proved to be just that, with Milnrow, under the direction of Mareika Gray, proving by its outstanding performance to be the fourth best band from the North West on the day.

In such a fiercely competitive arena Milnrow Band’s performance against ten other top class outfits was only beaten by the efforts of three of the country’s elite in Brass Banding namely Leyland (1st), Fairey (2nd ) and Fodens (3rd).

After a day long wait in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens complex, Milnrow took the stage at 6.45pm, as last band of the 11 competing in the Championship Section.

From the powerful roof shaking first note it was obvious that Mareika had everything under her control and supporters had the feeling that they were to be treated to something special from this young band.

Principal Cornet, Russell Gray, led superbly from the front and all the other soloists were ably and sympathetically supported by the ensemble players.

After many weeks of hard work in preparation for this most prestigious contest, and with the audible improvements over that time being evident, Mareika’s wish that the band should peak with its performance on stage seemed to have been well and truly achieved.

This fine performance by Milnrow Band ensures that its position in the Championship Section is once again assured.

The Band’s President, Ken Watts, said: “Nothing in brass banding is certain, but with the enthusiasm and expertise being shown by the members of Milnrow at this moment in time the Band is proving to be a force to be reckoned with and could be on the verge of greater things to come, perhaps by breaking into "the cartel" of the truly great bands.

“Even now bands all over the UK are becoming more and more aware of the reputation of this North West Village Band....for in the words of many banding officials, this is the one to watch.”

The President, Officials and Committee congratulate Mareika Grey and members of the Band for their greatest achievement so far.