Ferryhill Town Band concluded their remarkable 2025 contest season with a fantastic 4th place finish at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in Cheltenham. The result marks the band's highest-ever placement at the national finals and is a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the year.

The band, under the baton of conductor Mareika Gray, delivered a standout performance of the test piece "Suite from Adam Zero" by Arthur Bliss, impressing the adjudicators and thrilling the audience. Their success at the finals follows a momentous year that saw them win the North of England Regional Championships for the first time in 15 years, securing their place at the national competition.

This year's achievement is a significant milestone for Ferryhill Town Band, and it's particularly noteworthy for their conducting team. While Gareth Sykes has been a long-standing figure with the band, including leading them to previous successes and playing a key role in their development, Mareika Gray recently stepped into the role of conductor for the national finals. Mareika’s leadership proved instrumental in steering the band to its incredible 4th place finish. Without the efforts of our previous conductor, Jonathan Fenwick, the band would not be in the strong position we are today following several years of improvement which lead to qualification for the National Finals once again and securing promotion to the First Section in 2026.

The band's impressive performance and their strong leadership suggest a bright future for Ferryhill Town Band. This 4th place national finish is a huge accomplishment, and the band members have every reason to be proud.

We would like to thank Chilton Town Council, West Auckland Parish Council, and the Husqvarna Group for their support. Their contributions have been vital in helping us achieve our goals and perform at the highest level. We are also incredibly grateful for the many personal donations from the community. We would also like to thank Ferryhill Sport and Education Centre and Ferryhill Methodist Church for allowing us to rehearse in their premises. This has enabled us to prepare effectively for our recent competitions, culminating in our fantastic 4th place finish at the National Brass Band Championships.