The grand final took place before an invited audience on Saturday 17 February at Manchester's Royal Northern College of Music. The soloists were accompanied by the Black Dyke Band, conducted by Nicholas Childs, and the evening was presented by Frank Renton.  

The adjudicators were Shoena White and Ray Farr and they concluded that this year's winner, picking up the gold award and invitations to appear with the Fodens band in a gala concert at this year's English National Brass Band Championships and BBC Radio 2's flagship programme, Friday Night is Music Night, is - Ben Thomson.

 

Tuba player, Ben Thomson, 20, is currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music. He has played with several championship bands including appearing as featured soloist with Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick, Leyland and Foden's. He spent four years with the National Youth Orchestra, two of them as principal tuba and was a founder member of the Halle Youth Orchestra in 2002. Ben is the current BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist.

 

The Adjudicators:

Sheona White, regarded by many as the finest horn player of her generation, Sheona is in demand as a soloist and teacher throughout the world. She has made several solo recordings and has appeared with numerous championship bands. In 1996 she won the title of BBC Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year.

Ray Farr, equally at home in the Brass Band and Classical fields, Ray began his conducting career with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band after 10 years as a professional trumpeter. His acclaimed arrangements are played around the world and his skill as a teacher and adjudicator are equally sought after on the international stage. Ray is conductor in residence at Durham University.