Five bands successfully defended area titles in 2015 and two others (Carlton Main and Whitburn) won again having won in 2013. A year of relatively few surprises then - that is, until we received the news of Black Dyke's disqualification for a breach of registration rules!

The three bands with the most area wins (Reg Vardy, Cory and GUS) all won in 2015 and Reg Vardy therefore retains a 4-win lead at the top of the table. A 35th win since 1968 and a 50th top-3 placing in the last 53 years. A remarkable record.

The most successful band in the West of England, Camborne Town, narrowly failed to add to their wins tally with the title going to Flowers - a 10th title in a quarter century for them and an appearance on the '10 wins or more' table below for the first time. It was the 4th consecutive win for Flowers. Only the 12th time in area contest history that a band has won '4 or more' consecutive titles and Flowers is only the second West of England band to do so.

In Scotland, Whitburn and Co-operative Funeralcare have between them won the last eight titles (and 28 of the last 36) with the former coming out on top this year. Meanwhile, in the North West, Fairey broke free of the gaggle of bands on 14 wins to join Parc & Dare and Desford as 15-time winners.

Carlton Main Frickley Colliery had waited 14 years for the 5th title in 2013 but they shocked the more fancied contenders in Yorkshire again this year to notch up their 6th title.

Friary Guildford won the London & SC Area for the first time, the third first-time L&SC winner in the last four years.

The list of bands with at least 10 area titles to their names is now as follows:

35 wins - Reg Vardy

31 - Cory

23 - Virtuosi GUS

21 - Co-operative Funeralcare

20 - Camborne Town

19 - Black Dyke, Brighouse & Rastrick

18 - Foden's

17 - Whitburn

15 - Parc & Dare, Desford Colliery, Fairey

14 - CWS (Manchester), Sun Life, Redbridge Brass

13 - Morris Concert

11 - Crookhall Bradley, Grimethorpe Colliery

10 - St Dennis, Hanwell, Tredegar, Leyland, Flowers