Celebrations were in order for members of Renfrew Burgh Band, after they secured an impressive top-six finish at a prestigious national competition.
The Burgh Band gave an excellent performance at the recent National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, which earned it sixth place out of 20 qualifying bands – and out of an initial field of 96 Third Section bands from all Britain.
Conducted by musical director Mark Good, the band did enough to impress the three-person adjudicating panel with its performance of set test-piece Music from the Royal Palaces for it to return home from Cheltenham with the top-six finish.
Reflecting on the experience, Mark Good commented: “I’m very proud of the players of Renfrew Burgh Band, who rose to the occasion and delivered a performance to be proud of at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.
“Since qualifying for the Nationals earlier this year, it has been full steam ahead to prepare musically, but also to raise the thousands of pounds required to even get the band to Cheltenham.
“The players balanced rehearsals and fundraising engagements with work and family lives, and really rallied to ensure they represented Renfrew – and Renfrewshire – with pride on the national stage.”
Photo: Renfrew Burgh Band attending the 2025 National Brass Band Championships
Images by Craig Chapman / Craig Chapman Photography
Renfrew Burgh Band was competing at the National Finals after winning the Scottish Championship in the Third Section earlier this year. It was the first time in a decade the band had participated in the Nationals, having also achieved a sixth place in 2015.
Myra Mack, chairperson of Renfrew Burgh Band, said: “Preparations for the National Brass Band Championships swung into action months ago and we were pleased to give a good performance, capped off with a very pleasing result.
“The field at the Nationals is very strong, but Renfrew Burgh Band more than held its own among some very fine bands.
“We’re grateful for the excellent support, which was crucial to us getting to the contest, and look forward to taking to the stage again very soon.”
Renfrew Burgh Band is back in the bandhall and looking forward to a busy period of engagements ahead, including the Borders Entertainment Contest, Remembrance Sunday and a host of festive performances in and around the local community.
For more information on Renfrew Burgh Band, go to: https://www.renfrewburghband.co.uk.
Photo: Renfrew Burgh Band on stage at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain
Images by Craig Chapman / Craig Chapman Photography