East Riding of Yorkshire Band celebrates national success

Held at the York Barbican, the National Finals brought together 20 qualifying bands – each having secured a top-two finish at their respective regional contests earlier in the year – making the standard of competition exceptionally high.

Performing the challenging test piece Snow Island by Thierry Deleruyelle, the band delivered a confident performance that impressed the adjudicators and secured them a place on the podium.

The result comes in a landmark year for the band. Following their second place finish at the North of England Regional Championships, the band had already secured promotion to the Second Section for 2027 – making their National success a fitting culmination of an outstanding season.

Competing against bands from across England, Scotland and Wales, the result places the East Riding of Yorkshire Band firmly amongst the leading Third Section bands in the country.

Jonathan Evison, chair of the East Riding of Yorkshire Band, said: “It’s been a very exciting time for the band.

“After weeks of intense rehearsals, the players truly performed out of their skins. Rarely are contest performances as electric as this – strong ensemble playing, real depth and breadth of sound, controlled pianissimo passages, and outstanding soloists all came together. From the smiles on the players’ faces, everyone knew we had played well.”

Richard Grantham, musical director, added “The band delivered a magnificent performance of Snow Island on Sunday, earning widespread admiration and gaining many new supporters from across the country.

“The band would like to thank its supporters, families, and local community for their continued encouragement, as well as the organisers and volunteers who made the event such a success.”

The band is now looking ahead with confidence as it prepares for the next chapter in the Second Section.