A LOCAL band have shared their joy of securing the title as winners of a national competition.

Haydock Band competed against 14 others at the Wychavon Festival of Brass 2022, a national entertainment contest, with bands all over the country competing for the title.

This is the first time the band's won the competition, birthing a new milestone for them. 

Mark Quinn, who has been the band’s musical director for 35 years, said: "To say this has been a highlight of my tenure as musical director would be an understatement. 

"We have won lots of contests over that time but this one was very special- in all of the history of Haydock band, this is one of its most significant contest wins. 

"In fact, it’s the very first time the band has won a national competition in the first section."

St Helens Star: Lisa Forbes Principal Cornet (left) and Helen Geoghegan Principal Euphonium (right)Lisa Forbes Principal Cornet (left) and Helen Geoghegan Principal Euphonium (right) (Image: Haydock Band)

Discussing the team’s reaction to the win, Mark added: "All of the players are ecstatic and totally over the moon with the win.

"The age range of the players is from 18 to over 70 so it's a fantastic achievement for them all. 

"They are a fantastic team of really wonderful people and they worked extremely hard in getting together a program of newly arranged music especially done for the band."

READ > Local band say farewell to drummer and 'brother'

The program included a new arrangement by Andi Cook of a Foggy Day in London Town, played by the band’s Principal Cornet and Secretary Lisa Forbes, and a new arrangement by Adam DJ Taylor, the band’s composer in residence, who arranged three pieces.  

Haydock Band, established in 1861, are now headed into their festive season of promoting Haydock and St Helens across the North West, with a Christmas lights switch on performance in Southport this weekend.

The musical director also discussed the band’s plans in the new year.

He said: "Next year, the band are looking forward to concerts in March for St Patrick’s Night, the North West Area contest at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, but most importantly of all, playing our part in the St Helens Borough of Culture; this is something we are really excited about.

"The band is at the heart of Haydock and St Helens - and we are proud to be the beating strong at the heart of Haydock."