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North West Area Champions

Mark Wilkinson • February 26, 2024

On Sunday 25th February Foden's Band competed at the 'North West Area' contest held at the Winter Gardens Blackpool. 
 

The UK is split into various 'regions' and the top two placed bands at each regional contest is invited to represent their 'region' at the National Finals, held at the Royal Albert Hall London in October. The top four placed bands from the previous years 'National Finals' receive an automatic qualification, due to Foden's being placed runner up at this contest we had already received an invitation to the 2024 Finals. 

 

Foden's competed against 11 other bands performing the set test piece 'Variations on an Enigma' by Philip Sparke and were announced as the Champions for the eight consecutive year and also won the prize for the best Principal Cornet 


Adjudicators: Anne Crookston and Alan Morrison


  1. Foden's (Russell Gray)**
  2. KNDS Fairey (Phil Chalk)*
  3. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Ryan Watkins)*
  4. Leyland (Daniel Brooks)
  5. Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)
  6. Wingates (Andrea Price)
  7. Milnrow (Lee Skipsey)
  8. Acceler8 (Jef Sparkes)
  9. Rainford (Sarah Groarke-Booth)
  10. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
  11. Manx Concert Brass (Ian Clague MBE)
  12. Ashton under Lyne (Martyn Evans)


** Pre-qualified for invitation to National Final
* Qualified for invitation to National Final


Best Principal Cornet: Mark Wilkinson (Foden's)
Best Soprano: Chris Musgrave (Pemberton Old Wigan DW)
Youngest Player: Marvin Wong (Wingates) — aged 14

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By Mark Wilkinson March 21, 2025
We are delighted to announce that we'll be making our 2nd visit to Burton-upon-Trent in June this year! Burton Town Hall Sunday 1st June, 2025 2pm www.burtontownhall.co.uk/#whats-on
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We are looking forward to a number of exciting performances over the next couple of months! Please visit our events page for further information
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