The region’s top bands converged on Bradford for the most important weekend in Yorkshire’s brass band calendar.

Brighouse & Rastrick emerged triumphant in the all-important championship section at the Yorkshire Brass Band contest at a packed St George’s Hall last night.

They wowed the adjudicators with their performance of St Magnus by composer Kenneth Downie, scooping first place in the the top-flight section as well as best principal cornet.

Mr Downie himself was there to hand over the troph, and paid tribute to all the performing bands.

He said: “I have been very moved at times, I confess I have had a few tears in my eyes.”

Although the winner and runner-up represent Yorkshire at the national finals at London’s Royal Albert Hall in October, Brighouse & Rastrick had already qualified ahead of the contest.

Over the weekend, more than 50 bands took to the stage to try to secure a place at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.

There were also celebrations for the City of Bradford Brass Band and Clifton and Lightcliffe B Band, who took the top spots in their respective leagues, called sections.

City of Bradford were crowned champions in the First Section for their performance of Cry of the Mountain by Yorkshire composer Howard Lorriman.

Their musical director Lee Skipsey was also named best conductor.

He said: “We have worked very hard for this achievement and we have more hard work ahead for the National Competition in September but we are very excited and utterly committed to representing Bradford and Yorkshire in Cheltenham.”

The Clifton and Lightcliffe B Band, led by conductor John Clay, topped the Fourth Section with their interpretation of Alan Fernie’s Three Spanish Impressions.

They also picked up awards for best soloist, best percussion section and youngest player.

Mr Clay said: “We are very pleased. It means we will be through to Cheltenham in September.”