NASUWT Riverside brass band bring Grand Shield award back to North East

NASUWT Riverside have been crowned 2019 Grand Shield champions. Image courtesy of www.4barsrest.com

Led by Nicholas Childs, the Chester Le Street-based band secured a victory with a rendition of Thierry Deleruyelle's Fraternity.

Speaking about the win, long-serving cornet player Tony Thompson said: "It's incredible. Nick Childs has literally taken us to another level. Everything he did with us was about encouragement and belief. He has given us 100% and the players have responded. I can't thank him enough."

Prof Childs, who joined in the celebrations on stage, and who now has a modern day record four Grand Shield titles to his name, said in return: "They are such a great band to work with — committed, determined and fun. People like Tony represent all that's good in banding and I'm delighted for them. They've been building towards this working with conductors for a while now, and will be a band to watch out for at the British Open and the Nationals."

The winners will be joined in the line-up for the British Open, which takes place in September, by Scottish champion, the cooperation Band.