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This Easter, I had the privilege of being a guest soloist at two gigs. In France, I performed alongside Daniel Thomas and Brass Band Loire Forez, while closer to home, I joined the Rolls Royce Derby Band. It was an enriching experience connecting with fellow musicians.

 Black Dyke Band was delighted to be crowned Yorkshire champions once again in 2024. Having already qualified for the Nationals with our win in 2023, this year's performance was slightly easier and pressure-free. It was a pleasure to perform in such a relaxed atmosphere and still achieve victory.

One of the most significant performances of my career was being a soloist at the International Festival of Brass 2024. I had the honor of performing Philip Wilby's "Fantasie Concertante" in the presence of the composer himself. It was an unforgettable experience and a true highlight of my musical journey.

I am thrilled to share that I celebrated my first-ever National Championships win with Black Dyke Band! Performing "Of Men and Mountains" by Edward Gregson, we delivered a powerful and moving performance that secured our victory. It was an incredible honor to achieve this milestone with such an esteemed group.

Shortly after the European Championships, Neil and I treated ourselves to a well-deserved holiday in the Maldives. It was our first big trip together, and it became even more special on May 23, 2023, when Neil asked me to marry him. I happily said yes! This beautiful trip will always hold a special place in our hearts.

In May, Black Dyke Band faced significant travel challenges when our flights to the European Brass Band Championships were unexpectedly cancelled. Despite these setbacks, our determination and swift logistical adjustments allowed us to reach the competition in time. Our hard work and resilience paid off as we delivered outstanding performances, ultimately tying for first place. However, due to Brass Band Tres 13 Toiles scoring higher on the set test piece, they were crowned the overall winners, placing us in a close second. For my first experience at the adult Europeans, I am immensely proud of our achievement and the way we overcame obstacles to shine on such a prestigious stage. Second place is a fantastic result, and I look forward to future competitions with Black Dyke.

On March 5th, Black Dyke Band drew the dreaded number one spot at the Yorkshire Area Brass Band Championships. Despite the challenge of performing first, we delivered an exceptional performance that won us first place. I was also privileged to win the best soloist award, making the victory even sweeter. It was a proud day for Black Dyke!