Championship win is sweet music to brass band’s ears

The finals of the National Brass Band Championships took place at Cheltenham, with Houghton Brass representing the North of England in the third section after winning the regional competition in March. They were up against 17 other finalists from all over the country and were crowned champions after an performance of their ‘test piece’, Graces of Love.

Their euphonium player, James Wright, also won the best instrumentalist. Tom Gibson, Houghton Brass Musical Director, said: “We are delighted to have won today.

“It is the result of a lot of hard work and effort from the players and other supporters of the band. We are all very proud of this fantastic achievement.”

Members of the band are from the Houghton, Hetton and surrounding areas.

They are playing at St Michaels and All Angels Church in Houghton on Wednesday, October 7, at 7pm.