Nantwich Concert Band is celebrating after earning a Gold Award in the Community Wind Band category at the National Concert Band Festival (NCBF) Regional event in Telford.
It marks the band’s first NCBF appearance in many years, making the achievement even more impressive.
The result reflects months of dedication, teamwork, and musical energy from the whole ensemble.
The National Concert Band Festival is the UK’s largest celebration of concert and wind bands, offering groups of all abilities the chance to perform, grow, and shine.
With regional events leading to the National Finals, standards are high.
To prepare, the band added extra Monday rehearsals alongside usual Wednesday evenings, bringing together around 35 players for focused fortnightly sessions.
Their Telford performance included:
•Concert Prelude (Philip Sparke)
•Whispers from Beyond (Rossano Galante)
•Country Gardens (Percy Grainger)
•March from A Moorside Suite (Gustav Holst)
This mix allowed the ensemble to shine with dynamic contrasts, expressive playing, and tight ensemble work.
Adjudicators praised the band for its excellent dynamic variation, a well-balanced and confident sound, clear articulation and rhythmic drive, and a colourful and well-constructed programme.
Musical Director Nick Birch said: “I’m incredibly proud of what the band has achieved in such a short space of time — just eight rehearsals.
“To enter the competition for the first time in many years and achieve a Gold Award is an outstanding accomplishment and something the band can continue to build on.”
Band Chairman Nick Thayer added: “It’s a remarkable achievement for the band to take part in the event and be awarded Gold.
“The dedication and commitment shown by the players and committee has been exceptional, and we’re very proud of everyone involved.”
Nantwich Concert Band is tuning up for their sparkling Christmas Concert on Sunday 21st December 2025 at Nantwich Civic Hall.
The festive performance begins at 2.30pm, with tickets just £8 — and under-12s go free! Each audience member will also enjoy a complimentary mince pie.
Tickets are available online at https://www.nantwichband.co.uk/Event-Tickets or on the door.
The band will also be spreading festive cheer around Crewe and Nantwich:
•Friday 5th December, 6pm–9pm – Carolling at Tesco Extra, Vernon Way, Crewe CW1 2DD
•Saturday 6th December, 10.30am-2.30pm – Mayor’s Merry Market Day, Nantwich Market CW5 5DG
•Sunday 14th December, 11am–4pm – Carolling at Tesco Extra, Vernon Way, Crewe CW1 2DD
Nantwich Concert Band rehearses every Wednesday, 7:30pm–9:15pm at Highfields Academy, Nantwich, and new players are always welcome.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://www.nantwichband.co.uk/ or email [email protected]
(story by Jonathan White, pics by Nantwich Concert Band)
Recent Comments