Littleborough Brass Band triumphs again at Holme Valley contest

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 13:13

By David Murphy

Littleborough Brass Band has successfully defended its title at the 2025 Holme Valley Brass Band Contest, held in Holmfirth on Sunday 27 April.

Under the baton of musical director Ashley Higgins, the band impressed the adjudicators with a performance described as one of "real merit with control and drama" as they delivered the set test piece, I, Daedalus by composer Andrea Price. They were awarded first place in Section C, repeating their success from 2024.

Their achievements on the day did not end there. The band also received the 'Best Hymn' award for their well-crafted rendition of the traditional hymn tune Nicaea.

This latest victory continues an impressive run for the Littleborough-based group. Earlier this year, they secured qualification for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, due to take place in September. Last year they finished in an impressive fourth place in the 4th Section of the national finals and, following consistently strong results at the North West Regional Championships, they will be promoted to the 3rd Section from January 2026.

Ashley Higgins said: "The band has worked tremendously hard, and I am incredibly proud of their dedication. Retaining our title at Holme Valley is a fantastic achievement."

Littleborough Brass Band will next perform in their home town with a free outdoor concert at Hare Hill Park on Sunday 18 May, starting at 3pm. Audiences can expect an afternoon of popular favourites and brass band classics.

For more information about the band or to get involved, visit www.littleboroughband.co.uk.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Man charged with murder following fatal stabbing in Bury

A man has been charged with murder after a 24-year-old was found dead in Bury on New Year's Eve.
Fire crews tackle commercial building fire on Rooley Moor Road in Rochdale

Firefighters spent over three hours at the scene of a commercial building fire on Rooley Moor Road in Rochdale on Thursday evening.
Man arrested after three seriously injured in Middleton assault

A man has been arrested following a violent incident in Middleton that left three people seriously injured in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Murder investigation launched after man stabbed to death in Bury

A man in his 20s has died following a stabbing at a residential address in Bury on New Year’s Eve. Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
United Utilities urges residents to protect pipes ahead of freezing weekend

Residents and businesses across Rochdale and Greater Manchester are being urged to protect their water pipes as temperatures are forecast to plunge this weekend, raising the risk of bursts and flooding.
Bolton Mountain Rescue Team pays tribute to long serving volunteer Geoff Seddon

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team has announced the death of veteran volunteer Geoff Seddon, saying the team is devastated following what it described as a short but brutal battle with cancer.
Three floors of iconic town centre building could be turned into flats

Three floors of an iconic building at the heart of Bury’s nightlife ‘strip’ could be turned into flats. Developers plan to renovate the upper levels of the former Silver Chambers at 8 to 12 Silver Street into nine apartments.
Community walking group 'Mayfield Movers' set to start in 2026 to promote active living

A new community walking initiative called Mayfield Movers is set to launch in 2026, with the goal of improving physical health, reducing isolation, and strengthening community ties across the borough.
My 5 years at Westminster were dominated by Brexit paralysis

After five years in Westminster, Liz McInnes is finding joy in getting stuck into her role as a local councillor.
2025 was the year Roch Valley Radio became your newsroom

When Rochdale Online closed its doors earlier this year, Roch Valley Radio stepped up to ensure the stories from the boroughs we serve didn’t go untold.
Hopwood Hall College Principal among North West recipients of OBE in King's Honours List

The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Hopwood Hall College has been named in the King’s New Year Honours List, recognising her long-standing contribution to education in Rochdale and across Greater Manchester.
Radcliffe commentator Clive Tyldesley honoured with OBE in New Year list

Veteran football broadcaster Clive Tyldesley, who grew up in Radcliffe, has been awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026.