Both the youth and senior bands came home as Champions from this year's North Wales rally. Under the leadership of Rebecca Roberts for the first time (pictured right), the youth band pipped Deiniolen Youth to the Section 6B prize, aswell as the Best Hymn in the section, whilst later on in the afternoon, Chris' senior band were declared the section winners even before setting a foot on stage.

After earlier withdrawals of other bands, Holywell Town band discovered on Friday night one of their players was unregistered, and therefor not allowed to play in the contest. But, Chris and the band gave their permission for him to participate on the condition Holywell donated a share of any of their winnings towards Children in Need. However, the Contest Controller would not allow the particular player to participate, and Holywell refused to play, easing any pressure of the band who went on to score 180 points, a total that would've probably been enough to beat any competitors anyhow. The band retained the Best March award and Principal Euphonium player Mary Gaunt took the Best Soloist prize. Here's what conductor Chris thought of the day:

"Fantastic result yesterday for the Youth Band who were excellent. Congratulations to Bex on her first contest in charge and is the result of all the hard work done!

The Senior Band are North Wales Champions once again, holding on to a fantastic reputation of being in the top 2 for places for the last 6 years at this contest. Am really pleased we retained the Best March title too and congratulations to Mary Gaunt on being best soloist "

Full North Wales Rally Results:

Youth 6a)
1. Beaumaris Youth
Best March : Beaumaris Youth
Best Soloist: Cornet - Beaumaris (Nicholas Hughes)

Youth 6b)
1. Menai Bridge Youth
2. Deiniolen Youth
3. Llanrug Youth
Best Hymn Tune: Menai Bridge Youth
Best Soloist: Euphonium - Deiniolen Youth (Danial Ellis)

Section 4:
1. Gwernaffield
2. Llandudno
3. Nantlle Vale
Best March: Gwernaffield
Best Soloist: Soprano - Llandudno

Section 3:
1. Menai Bridge
Best March: Menai Bridge
Best Soloist: Euph - Menai Bridge (Mary Gaunt)

Section 2:
1. Royal Buckley
2. Porthywaen
3. Newtown
Best March: Royal Buckley
Best Soloist: Cornet - Porthywaen

Open Section:
1. United Co-Op Yorkshire
2. Newtown
3. Deiniolen
Best March: United Co-Op Yorkshire

Best Soloist: Cornet - United Co-Op Yorkshire Now for the Christmas caroling...............