FRESH from competing triumphantly in the Hardraw Scar Entertainment contest in Wensleydale, York’s Shepherd Group Concert Brass Band will perform at The Hive, Manor CE Academy, Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, York, on October 20.

All the pieces played in their successful Hardraw performance will feature in the 7pm concert after Mike Pratt's musical forces took home the prize for the most entertaining programme at the North Yorkshire event.

Twelve brass bands from across the north and the Midlands each had to play a set list with a march, hymn tune and soloist that would entertain both the very large audience and the adjudicator, Martin Heartfield.

"We began with a 'bluesy' version of The Old Rugged Cross; played the march Eagle Squadron and the flugel horn solo Solitaire, beautifully played by Louis McClaren; followed by a Swedish folk song, and we concluded with the Neil Diamond favourite Sweet Caroline, which had the band, audience and possibly even the adjudicator swaying in time to the music," says conductor Mike Pratt.

"At the conclusion, we were awarded the prize for the most entertaining programme, described by the adjudicator as 'one that the band obviously enjoyed playing and kept the audience thoroughly entertained'."

Thrilled to receive the award, Mike says: "The band members have put so much hard work into this programme and have reaped their just reward, beating many bands of a higher grading than ourselves."

At The Hive, they will be joined by two other bands from the Shepherd banding family, the Academy Brass and Brass Roots. Tickets are available at £5 from Nicola Harper on 01904 655076.