FOR the first time ever, the Aldbourne Band finish in the top 10, after a performance at the British Open Finals. They make it into the list of the top 20 brass bands in the UK and one of the top 30 bands in the world, in September.

The band were busy preparing for the finals of the National Brass Band Championships at the Royal Albert Hall, which took place on October 12.

Band Publicity Officer, Tim Dixon said: “They only had a few weeks to put together a very difficult test piece. The band wanted to build on their success at the Open and ensure their place as one of the top bands in the world was secure in the face of some fierce competition. All the bands at the finals are great bands in their own right so it was never going to be easy.

“The band were drawn to play number 11 out of 20. They produced another fine performance on the day which was well received by the audience and drew some great comments from the

adjudicators but ultimately, was not quite the interpretation they were looking for.

They placed 14th along with the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band in the results table and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, both placed behind them.

“Overall a very successful end to the contesting season for the band and the result was enough to see them retain their Top 20 status in the current ranking tables, rounding off nicely one of the most memorable years in the band’s history. It saw the band qualify for both the British Open and National Championship Finals in the same year for the first time ever in their long history.

“The year is not over yet though and the band has a busy concert schedule over the coming months. You can see this wonderful brass band next at a 10 year anniversary concert for the Friends of Aldbourne Band in St Michaels Church, Aldbourne on November 9, starting at 7pm.”

Go to their website for more details on concerts for the rest of the year: www.aldbourneband.org.uk