On 25th February, the band travelled to the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool, to fight for a place in the National finals. Out of 18 very talented bands, we were thrilled to come second! This means that for a sixth time, the band will have the opportunity to put Eccleston on the map and become the country’s best 3rd Section brass band.
Our first qualification for the National Finals was in 1990, which saw us performing at the Royal Albert Hall (the original venue as seen in the film Brassed Off) under Conductor Harry Bentham. We received third place, which was our highest ever accolade. This was followed up with another qualification to the finals the following year, receiving 4th place.
We went on to qualify twice in the 2000’s, achieving a top ten place each time under Conductor Ian Bateson, and our last National Finals was in 2019 under current Conductor John Wood.
So for our sixth time, with the smell of victory from the Regional Championships lingering in the air, we are practicing away twice a week on the edge of the park, focussed on perfection, and bringing home the trophy for Eccleston!
The band head to the National Finals at the new venue of Cheltenham Racecourse on 14 September 2024.