Ferryhill Town Band concluded their remarkable 2025 contest season with a fantastic 4th place finish at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in Cheltenham. The result marks the band's highest-ever placement at the national finals and is a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the year.

The band, under the baton of conductor Mareika Gray, delivered a standout performance of the test piece "Suite from Adam Zero" by Arthur Bliss, impressing the adjudicators and thrilling the audience. Their success at the finals follows a momentous year that saw them win the North of England Regional Championships for the first time in 15 years, securing their place at the national competition.

This year's achievement is a significant milestone for Ferryhill Town Band, and it's particularly noteworthy for their conducting team. While Gareth Sykes has been a long-standing figure with the band, including leading them to previous successes and playing a key role in their development, Mareika Gray recently stepped into the role of conductor for the national finals. Mareika’s leadership proved instrumental in steering the band to its incredible 4th place finish. Without the efforts of our previous conductor, Jonathan Fenwick, the band would not be in the strong position we are today following several years of improvement which lead to qualification for the National Finals once again and securing promotion to the First Section in 2026.

The band's impressive performance and their strong leadership suggest a bright future for Ferryhill Town Band. This 4th place national finish is a huge accomplishment, and the band members have every reason to be proud.

We would like to thank Chilton Town Council, West Auckland Parish Council, and the Husqvarna Group for their support. Their contributions have been vital in helping us achieve our goals and perform at the highest level. We are also incredibly grateful for the many personal donations from the community. We would also like to thank Ferryhill Sport and Education Centre and Ferryhill Methodist Church for allowing us to rehearse in their premises. This has enabled us to prepare effectively for our recent competitions, culminating in our fantastic 4th place finish at the National Brass Band Championships.

On Sunday 23rd March, Ferryhill Town Band once again competed at the North of England Brass Band Championships held at the Gala Theatre in Durham. The competition comprises of bands over 5 sections with bands travelling from an area covering Northumberland to Lincolnshire.

The band managed to improve on last year's result to win the competition and become the North of England Champions of the 2nd Section. With this win the band are once again invited to compete in the National Finals which will be held in Cheltenham later this year and also gain promotion to the 1st Section for next year's competition.

One of our players also picked up the Youngest Player award, Ellen Mortimer aged 12, with her contribution to the Cornet Section.

"It's a privilege to qualify for a second successive year and to improve on last year's result", a spokesperson for the band shared. "Despite a number of challenges throughout 2025, which included the loss of our rehearsal premises and home for over 20 years, the band have continued on their path of improvement and continue to thrive. This wouldn't be possible without the unwavering commitment of all our members and conductor, Jonathan Fenwick."

As we prepare to take the national stage, and once again represent Ferryhill with pride, the band will continue their fundraising efforts in the coming months to secure the resources needed to compete at the highest level.