Ryan Bradley, Chris Shanks, Stephen Duncan and Neill Gourlay have been announced as Whitburn Band’s award winners for 2020.
In a year like no other, Ryan Bradley (pictured above) was named Bandsperson of the Year for the second time. Ryan produced Whitburn’s virtual performances throughout the year, attracting acclaim from across the banding community and beyond.
His work was praised by people who were watching from around the world, and brought Whitburn and brass bands generally to new audiences after the Scottish Open champion was featured on the social media of BBC Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce and Classic FM. Part of Whitburn’s performance of ABBA Goes Brass by Alan Fernie, which was produced by Ryan, was broadcast on STV’s Scotland Tonight programme.
Player of The Year Chris Shanks
Euphonium player Chris Shanks was named Player of the Year. Chris was key to Whitburn’s performances - both in the real world before the pandemic and ‘virtually’ ever since - and was the popular winner of the category for the first time.
Stephen Duncan and Neill Gourlay were jointly given the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Service by Whitburn Band Chairman Charlie Farren.
Stephen Duncan and Neill Gourlay (below) were the joint winners of Whitburn Band Chairman’s Award
With the pandemic challenging all bands, the work of Stephen and Neill in the background on the development of the band’s infrastructure has ensured that Whitburn will emerge stronger from this difficult period and continue to entertain audiences.