Ferryhill Town Band have been crowned champions at this year’s North of England Brass Band Championships held at the Gala Theatre in Durham on Sunday (23 March).
With bands travelling from an area covering Northumberland to Lincolnshire, the Town Band competed over five sections and went one step better than last year to claim the prestigious crown of North of England Champions of the 2nd Section.
With this win the band are once again invited to compete in the National Finals, which will be held in Cheltenham later this year, and also gain promotion to the 1st Section for next year’s competition.
And in a double celebration, the band’s Ellen Mortimer, aged 12, picked up the Youngest Player award with her contribution to the Cornet Section.
“It’s a privilege to qualify for a second successive year and to improve on last year’s result”, said a spokesperson for the band. “Despite a number of challenges throughout 2025, which included the loss of our rehearsal premises and home for over 20 years, the band have continued on their path of improvement and continue to thrive.
“This wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering commitment of all our members and conductor, Jonathan Fenwick.”
As they prepare to take the national stage and again represent Ferryhill with pride, the band will continue their fundraising efforts in the coming months to secure the resources needed to compete at the highest level.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
