25 October 2010
By Emily Heward
NEWLY-CROWNED champions Brighouse & Rastrick Band showed off their gleaming trophy at a triumphant homecoming ceremony.

A civic reception was held for the musicians at Halifax Town Hall following their victory at the National Championships of Great Britain in London's Royal Albert Hall.

It is the eighth time the band has brought home the cup, which it last won in 1
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Deputy Mayor of Calderdale Keith Watson said: "The band played 15th and produced a performance described as beautifully in tune and extremely musical.

"Having played on stage at 3pm the band had to wait until 6pm for the decision – which put Brighouse and Rastrick back at the top."

Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker also attended along with Brighouse councillors Joyce Cawthra and Colin Stout.

Corks popped as the musicians were treated to celebratory drinks and food.

Band president Paul Beaumont presented Coun Watson with an album of photos taken at the band's 125th anniversary celebrations in 2006, to go in the Calderdale Council archives.

Mr Beaumont said: "The Nationals is the biggest, most prestigious contest of the year and its fabulous to win it again." It was the first ever Nationals victory for Australian conductor David King, who missed out on the celebrations having gone back to his homeland.

Mr Beaumont said: "He got on the plane a very happy man."

The baton will be taken up by new resident conductor Sandy Smith, former principal horn player with local rivals Black Dyke Band – who came eighth in the Nationals