Year in review: Milnrow Band

2013 has been described as Milnrow Band’s most successful year in the band's 144 year history.

The band commenced its 2013 activities in the contest arena by making its annual appearance in the North West Regional Brass Band Championships at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool on Sunday 10 March. Under Associate Conductor Russell Gray, Milnrow attained its best ever result in the top section, placed third out of twelve bands, and hence qualifying to compete in the Championship Finals at the
Royal Albert Hall in London on 12 October 2013.

Milnrow Band made its second consecutive appearance in the ‘Grand Shield’ section of the 93rd Spring Band Festival in 2013 and attained first position under Musical Director Mareika Gray. The band walked away with the Grand Shield Trophy by giving a momentous performance of “Red Priest” by Philip Wilby and beating 19 other bands from around the UK.

The next stop on this 2013 journey was at the Elgar Concert Hall in the University of Birmingham where the band had been invited to compete in the English National Brass Bands Championships. At this competition, Milnrow achieved third place out of eight contesting bands playing “Music for Battle Creek” by Philip Sparke and “Diversions on a Bass Theme” by George Lloyd.

On 12 October 2013, the band appeared for the first time ever at the National Brass Band Championships at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Milnrow were proud to be competing amongst such illustrious company and representing the North West, together with local rivals Fodens and Leyland.

The band finished in twelfth place and the band and all concerned were delighted, especially as it was their first attempt.

When MD Mareika Gray lifted the baton for Milnrow bands` British Open performance she was only the third female conductor to do so. Previous ladies in this category were Betty Anderson (1978) and Linda Nicholson (2002).

Whilst engaging in top class competition throughout 2013 the band was also able and proud to keep faith with the local community and further a field by undertaking various marches and concerts.

A spokesman said: "Milnrow Band extends seasons greetings to all of its many supporters and gratefully thanks everyone who has supported the band in its successful endeavours in 2013."