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Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Band

CROWNED LONDON & SOUTHERN COUNTIES REGIONAL BRASS BAND CHAMPIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN (SECTION 3) 22nd March 2026

🎺 Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Brass Band Achieves Historic Championship Hat-Trick as they strike GOLD at the Regional Qualifying Contest – Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre – Continuing a Remarkable Winning Streak! 🎶

Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Brass Band, based in Deal, has achieved an extraordinary and unprecedented milestone in its long and proud history. On Sunday 22 March, the band travelled to Stevenage to compete in the London and Southern Counties Regional Championships, successfully defending their title and being crowned Third Section Champions: a third consecutive win at the regionals. 

Under the expert musical direction of Mike West, whose commitment, discipline, and musical leadership have been central to the band’s success, the players have spent weeks tirelessly preparing their performance of The Three Howarth Impressions — a challenging and expertly crafted 13‑minute work. Their dedication and precision shone through on stage, securing yet another remarkable victory.

This achievement is the latest chapter in an extraordinary comeback story.
After nearly a decade away from contesting, the band returned to competition in March 2024 in the Fourth Section. Against all expectations, they were crowned champions at the London and Southern Counties Regional Qualifiers, earning a place at the National Finals in Cheltenham later that year. Their winning performance secured automatic promotion to the Third Section.

In March 2025, Betteshanger once again rose to the occasion, becoming Third Section Champions at the regional qualifiers and earning a second consecutive appearance at the National Finals — where they went on to achieve an impressive second place nationally.

Now, in 2026, the band has completed an unprecedented hat‑trick of regional championship wins, reaffirming their status as one of the most successful and rapidly rising brass bands in the region. Their latest victory means they will proudly represent the London and Southern Counties region at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, to be held in York at the Barbican in September 2026. The band is determined to continue their upward trajectory and hopes to return home with further national silverware.

Band spokespersons described the atmosphere as “electric” and the achievement as “a testament to the hard work, resilience, and passion of every member.” The band praised MD Mike West for his unwavering leadership throughout their exceptional journey. The band would also like to thank Leigh McKinney, “Eclipse Instruments”, for his continued support as our sponsor. Leigh’s passion and support of the band mean the world to us, and we are extremely fortunate to be on this journey together.

Betteshanger Colliery Band wishes to thank its sponsor, supporters, community, and families for their ongoing encouragement and looks forward to making them proud once again on the national stage.

For further information or media enquiries, please contact:
Bridge Goold 
EMAIL betteshanger@gmail.com
Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Brass Band, Deal

The band now proudly boasts an incredible contest record:

🏆 Regional Champions 2026 (3rd Section)

🥈 Nationals 2025 – 2nd Place (3rd Section)

🏆 Regional Champions 2025 (3rd Section)

🏆 National Champions 2024 (4th Section)

🏆 Regional Champions 2024 (4th Section)

Under the baton of Musical Director Mike West, the band strives for musical excellence, encouraged to perform to their best ability, providing the highest standard in both concerts and contests. All this could not have been achieved without the man out the front. Mike’s expertise in band training is second-to-none. The band is extremely appreciative of all Mike’s hard work and dedication. He goes above and beyond just being the band’s Musical Director, and his passion for striving for “only the best” has rubbed off on the players.

Upcoming Performances – Local audiences won’t have to wait long to hear Betteshanger in action:

🎶 Deal Memorial Bandstand Concert – Sunday 3rd May, 2:30pm

🎶 Deal Music & Arts Festival – Friday 3rd July, 7:30pm at St George’s Church, Deal

These events promise powerful performances from a band riding high on momentum and musical brilliance.

Looking Ahead – With continued growth, dedication, and a strong sense of community, the future is looking very bright for the Betteshanger Colliery Brass Band. From their mining heritage roots to national recognition, they remain a shining example of what passion and perseverance can achieve.

Congratulations, Betteshanger — the community is proud of every note, every rehearsal, and every hard-earned trophy. Here’s to more music, more memories, and more magic! 🎶

We would once again like to say a special thank to our Sponsor, Leigh McKinney “Eclipse Instruments” for believing in us and for his ongoing support and valued sponsorship. Leigh has provided the band with new dress shirts and some shiny new Eclipse instruments this year.

The Betteshanger Colliery Brass Band, based in Deal, Kent, has firmly established itself as one of the most promising and dynamic ensembles in the region. Known for our friendly and ambitious spirit, we are a forward-thinking band with huge aspirations and a growing reputation for excellence. Our recent achievements speak for themselves.