Milnrow Band makes history

Milnrow Band

Milnrow Brass Band created their own piece of history after competing in the British Open Brass Band Championship in the Symphony Hall, Birmingham for the first time in the band's 144 year history.

The championships saw Milnrow compete against the top 16 champion bands from around Britain.

The band was placed 13 out of 17 and ensured their appearance in next year's contest.

The band played seventh during the contest and took to the stage after performances from Seindorf Beaumaris, Grimethorpe, Hepworth, Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick and Leyland. 

Milnrow first performed their test piece, Arabian Nights by Stephen Roberts. The piece was described as difficult to come to terms with and saw each band member play a solo of varying degrees.

The band was ably lead by Joanne Johnson (the principal cornet).

Ken Watts, Milnrow Band President, said: “The band excelled themselves with their sympathetic playing in the lyrical passages, and coped admirably with the fast and furious 'storm' and 'battle sequences'.”

The performances from the band have been described as a 'brilliant team performance that was much appreciated by the audience and traveling supporters'.

Milnrow Band recently finished third at the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in March, received third place at the English Nationals and achieved first place winning the Grand Shield at the Spring Festival in May.