Gloucestershire Brass Band Association

Date: 3 February 2013
Venue: Larruperz Centre, Grammar School Close, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7QD
Adjudicator: Lt Col Graham Jones
Compere: David Hayward

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An enthusiastic audience thoroughly enjoyed an entertaining day in Ross-on-Wye as Abergavenny Borough and Lydbrook Training took the top prizes at the 2013 Gloucestershire Brass Band Association Entertainment Contest.

The hotly contested Youth Training and Unregistered section was won by Lydbrook Training Band under the baton of Robert Morgan MBE who received a Gold award and the prize of best band in the section. Their Solo Horn player Jack Lythaby also was judged the best soloist in the section for his performance of Iona. Lydney Training Band were hot on Lydbrook's heals and also received a gold award whilst Abergavenny Borough Youth Band and City of Bristol Learners Band received Silver Awards. Adjudicator Dr Graham Jones was very impressed with the standard of the Youth Section and had many words of encouragement for all who took part when speaking from the stage during the results and trophy presentation.

Due to four withdrawals the afternoon saw only six band take to the stage to compete in the open section with Abergavenny Borough winning with a stunning set conducted by Craig Roberts. Runners up were Ebbw Valley Brass who produced what turned out to be the most entertaining programme of the day. Dr. Graham Jones reflected on the high standard of playing throughout the section but in the end Abergavenny Borough were clear and worthy winners on the day.

The GBBA would like to thank Dr Graham Jones for an excellent days work and for all the advice and encouragement that he gave to bands during the day and also Ross-on-Wye Town Council and Mayor Councillor David Ravenscroft for their help in supporting the contest. Once again the contest brought record numbers of spectators to a GBBA hosted Contest and fully vindicated the association's decision to return to the Larruperz Centre and Ross-on-Wye.