Milnrow Band “better than the rest”

Milnrow Band

Milnrow Band were successful at winning the ‘Grand Shield’ during this year's Spring Brass Band Festival held in Blackpool.

The band, which has been up and running for 144 years, where declared “better than the rest” after beiing placed above all 19 other competitors.

After being rated underdogs by some people, the band, who took inspiration from Vivaldi, were described as “something special” by adjudicators Frank Renton and Allan Ramsay.

The competition, now in its 93rd year, was held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens Opera House on Saturday 11 May.

Ken Watts, band president, described the winning performance as: “A total team effort, with each player displaying technique and accuracy of a high standard.”

The band also qualified for the prestigious British Open Brass Band Championships at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham taking place in September. During this competition, the band will be in the company of such well known and illustrious names as Black Dyke Mills, Grimethorpe and Brighouse and Rastrick.

The cost of making two prestigious appearances this year is between £6,000 and £8,000 and as the band is currently self supporting without corporate sponsorship it is attempting to raise money to fund the two trips.

In winning the Grand Shield, Milnrow band is following in the footsteps of former local championship section bands in Mosley and Stalybridge.

A spokesman said: "Milnrow Band respectfully requests your help, either in the short term by individual donations or perhaps in the longer term by local or national corporate sponsorship, by contacting in the first instance, either Chairman Jim Fitton on 01706 848349 or President Ken Watts on 01706 843169."