Red Admiral Band are flying high after big band win

The Red Admiral Music Academy from Mawdesley were announced the winning band at the Junior Brass Band Entertainment Festival of Great Britain held at Blackpool Winter Gardens.

Conductor Danny Brooks described the triumph as a remarkable achievement having only set-up the academy two years ago.

Mark Cobham on behalf of the academy said: “The first time we have competed in an event of this magnitude, it was always going to be a day to remember for everyone involved, but none of us were prepared for how it ended. The outcome was amazing!

“Hours and hours of rehearsals and preparation paid off and our young performers gave it their all on the day.”

The contest was for players aged 16 and under and the band were pitted against five other competitors.

Their show stopping piece also saw member Beth Chippendale awarded for the best solo performance as well as the overall trophy for most entertaining piece.

The Academy put together a fairy tale inspired performance based on two children sent home from band rehearsals for turning up late and taking a surreal wrong turn in direction.

Arriving in the land of fairy tales, they transported their audience on a musical adventure with Shrek and the Princess, the Seven Dwarves and even Scooby Doo.

Mark added: "Props, costumes and some fantastic acting had the audience and judges mesmerised and the quality of the music our players produced was outstanding.

"Beth Chippendale stole the show with an amazing performance on trombone as Cruella.

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