Success at the Brass Bands Northern Ireland Spring Festival 2025

On 12 April band competed in the annual Brass Bands Northern Ireland Spring Festival 2025. The band were awarded 2nd place by the adjudicator, Mr Bob Childs. We are delighted with such a fantastic result.

Congratulations to 1st Old Boys Band - Belfast on their win and to Laganvale Metal Technology Band for their 3rd place finish. Congratulations to Comber Brass and Dynamic Brass for theirs wins in the 2nd and 3rd sections. Massive congratulations to St Marks Silver Band on taking not only band of the year in their section but also being awarded overall band of the year.

As always this result would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our Musical Director, Michael Alcorn. The band are truly blessed to have such a hardworking, enthusiastic and talented conductor at the helm.

The band were also awarded the Denis Gillespie trophy for the best trombone section. Denis was a member of the Reid memorial and Downshire for over 50 years and were presented this trophy when he passed away. According to the engravings, this is the first time we have won it so it makes it extra special. Fantastic achievement by the trom team

Lastly our amazing principal cornet, Hannah Calderwood was awarded the best soloist prize. Below is a quote from the BBNI page about the trophy

"BBNI would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Mr Harry Gault on the 28th anniversary of his passing, on 12th April 1997. This fabulous trophy is awarded to the best soloist in the Championship Section. Congratulations to today’s winner Hannah Calderwood from Downshire Brass"

A brilliant day was had by all but no rest for all of us as Downshire Brass as we keep the foot down on the pedal in our preparations for the European Brass band championships in Stavanger Norway in May 2025.