Bollington musicians are looking to make their hometown proud as they take to the national stage.

Bollington Brass Band are celebrating after securing second place in the North West Regional Brass Band Championships, held at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

With it comes qualification for the National Finals in York later this year and preparations are already well underway.

"We're still taking it all in but we're excited and ambitious" said a spokesperson for the band.

"We've already secured a coach from the excellent Golden Green Travel, and the committee are hard at work planning everything so the band can focus on performing to the very best of its ability."

Bollington Brass Band secured second place in the North West Regional Brass Band Championships (Credit: Supplied)

Competing in the highly competitive Second Section against 19 excellent bands, the musicians from Bollington arrived in Blackpool 'determined and quietly confident'.

Under the direction of musical director Craig Mann, the band performed Philip Harper's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, a technically demanding test piece inspired by Jules Verne's classic adventure novel, taking listeners on an underwater journey.

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The band's performance brought this narrative to life with exceptional contrast — from the serene beauty of the Coral Kingdom, through the terrifying Squid Attack, to the thrilling ferocity of the Maelstrom.

Audience members and adjudicators alike praised the band's ability to paint these scenes with colour, control and imagination.

When the results were announced, the reaction among the players and supporters was one of 'cheers, jubilation, relief and sheer delight', the band spokesperson said.

Promotion back to the First Section marks the culmination of two years of hard work.

"For the band, it feels like a return to where they belong — and a richly deserved recognition of Craig Mann's leadership and the dedication of all players," added the spokesperson.

But it was the announcement of National Finals qualification that carried the greatest emotional weight.

Later this year, Bollington will take to the stage in York to represent not only the town, but the entire Northwest, standing alongside the winning bands from every region of the UK.

Closer to home, the band will next be performing at their Spring Concert on Saturday, April 18, where they will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film Brassed Off and present their own‑choice test piece ahead of the Fleetwood Contest later that month.

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