XBY travelled to Kerkrade to the World Music Contest where they achieved a Gold award. This was the result of the time, effort and dedication of the band; including extra rehearsals in the upcoming months, ensuring we were able to compete against the very best wind bands from across the world. With 15 bands competing in our class, competition was high and the other bands were impressive!
We were proud to represent the UK in the 1st Division Wind Band class under the baton of John Hargreaves, performing Percy Grainger’s Horkstow Grange from Lincolnshire Posy, our divisions test piece – Trencadis by Bert Appermont and our chosen work which was Metropolis 1927 by Peter Graham.
The scoring is always incredibly tough at this one so we were delighted with the positive feedback and gold awarded across all of the categories and criteria.
A number of soloists were called out for exceptional performances and we were praised for our ensemble playing, balance and articulated rhythms. Which we quite rightly celebrated at the Beer Festival in the main town centre where the musical entertainment was brilliant!
Everyone that took part was delighted with the result, securing our place as one of the best wind bands, not only in the UK, but across the world.
We are looking forward to competing in the NCBF regionals locally at Trinity School in November 2026.
