Championship Section

James Gourlay and Nigel Boddice

James Gourlay is an internationally renowned tuba soloist who has performed with many of the world's leading brass ensembles and orchestras. In addition, he has directed many of the country's leading bands and has also held senior positions at the Royal Northern School of Music and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Scotland’s International Conservatoire. Nigel Boddice was principal trumpet with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for 20 years and currently enjoys a busy schedule of conducting across Europe. He was awarded the MBE in 2005 for his musical work with the youth of Scotland.

First Section

Malcolm Brownbill and Colin Hardy

Malcolm Brownbill's association with brass bands started in the Salvation Army and he has gone on to conduct many of the country's top bands including Wingates and Cory all combined with a career in the Police service which also involved him directing the Merseyside Police Military Band for over 20 years. Colin Hardy played Baritone for Brighouse and Rastrick and Black Dyke achieving success in many contests. Colin is an experienced conductor and adjudicator who has judged at all the regions around the UK and at the National Finals.

Second Section

Malcolm Brownbill and Christopher Wormald

Malcolm Brownbill also adjudicates the second section. In addition to his conducting and adjudicating Malcolm is also Public Relations Officer for the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators. Christopher Wormald is a highly experienced conductor who has adjudicated at a vast range of contests across the UK. Christopher is also Assistant Headteacher and Director of Arts at Smithills School in Bolton and in 2001 he was named Classic FM Music Teacher of The Year.

Third Section

Simone Rebello and Ian Brownbill

Simone Rebello is the internationally renowned percussionist who tours the world both as a solo artist and with her ensembles Backbeat and Equivox. Simone is a highly experienced adjudicator and in addition to her work with brass bands has also adjudicated at the Royal Academy of Music, Royal Northern College of Music and BBC Young Musician of the Year. Ian Brownbill played cornet and flugel horn with many of the country's top bands including Leyland and Black Dyke. Ian recently collaborated with Jimmy McGovern to produce the Musical 'King Cotton' which premiered at The Lowry to rave reviews.

Fourth Section

David Horsfield and Roy Roe

David Horsfield has figured in every facet of the brass band movement for over fifty years; player, band trainer, adjudicator and music publisher. He is the youngest principal cornetist ever to wear the purple and gold uniform of the Brighouse and Rastrick Band at the age of sixteen and also played with Black Dyke for 7 years. Roy Roe has played soprano cornet with Fodens, Fairy, Brighouse and Rastrick and Yorkshire Imperial Metals bands with a huge range of contest success throughout his career. He is also a respected musical director and adjudicator.