Once again Halloween saw the bands take the stage at Pontins, Prestatyn. As always the weekend was a grand success with quality music making, great entertainment and much socialising.

The Set test piece for this years 2nd Section was Bram Wiggin's 'The Deep', commissioned for the recent opening of Hull's Aquarium Centre of the same name. The piece features 3 contrasting movements, descriptively written, relying heavily on rhythmic and dynamic detail.

Those who were not staying the weekend, left Manchester in the early hours to reach Prestatyn for the 9am meeting. Flixton had an early draw (number 6) but due to withdrawals were the 3rd band to take the stage. Unfortunately the morning wasn't without it's events and the band didn't have the best start to the piece. The band recovered well, and quickly, and gave a strong performance. The adjudicators Colin Hardy and Raymond Tennant commended Flixton on a performance that was "tight rhythmically" with "plenty of fire". The slow movement gave special mentions to many instruments around the stand. Mr Tennant said "Nice opening and all fairly well balanced. N: Horn and Baris do well and muted cornets good". Euph plays well from P with good accomps. Neat rhythm from horns/basses. Nice controlled playing flugel/euph. Beautiful Cornets in closing bars". Colin Hardy added " super sop, very secure" Special mentions were made in the final movement to the horn section "horn playing good into W (very good in fact!)"

The band were awarded the 4th prize ahead of all the NW bands that had come above us at the areas. The contest marks the 4th prize this year. The band, and our conductor Kevin Gibbs are extremely pleased with the result which emphasises the progress made by the band over the last 6 months. We congratulate Barnsley on their win and look forward to meeting many of Sunday's bands again at Fleetwood in 3 weeks time.

Click here for map and directions