Wetherby Silver Band reaches new heights at national championships

Wetherby Silver Band celebrates milestone

Wetherby Silver Band is celebrating a major milestone after representing the region at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in York, capping off four years of remarkable progress.

Competing in the Third Section at York Barbican, the band delivered an impressive performance of Thierry Deleruyelle’s challenging test piece, Snow Island.

The event marked a celebration of the band’s hard work, dedication, and growing success on the regional and national stage.

Reflecting on the achievement, Musical Director Craig Ratcliffe said: "Taking on Thierry Deleruyelle’s Snow Island at the National Finals was a fantastic test for us, and it really brought out the best in the band.

"The players put in an extraordinary amount of hard work leading up to York, rehearsing tirelessly right through the summer months.

"Their commitment, musicality, and team spirit were second to none.”

Craig added: "Over the past four years as Musical Director, I’ve seen this band build incredible forward momentum.

"We are heading in exactly the right direction, and earning promotion to the Second Section is proof of how far we’ve come.

"We're all looking forward to competing at the Yorkshire Area Championships in Huddersfield next March."

For Wetherby, the result underscores the importance of supporting local brass bands and the role that brass bands play in community life.

Wetherby Silver Band continues to be a focal point for musicians of all ages and abilities, providing opportunities to develop skills, collaborate with fellow musicians, and represent the town on a national stage.

The band's commitment to youth development is further strengthened through its partnership with The Brass Brigade, where they work with young people to nurture the next generation of brass musicians and foster a lasting passion for the art form.

The band’s promotion comes at an exciting time as it prepares for a busy festive season, with a series of local Christmas concerts lined up across the region.

Looking further ahead, Wetherby Silver Band is already making preparations for a landmark milestone: celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2028.