The bells of York Minster rang for six hours straight during the National 12-Bell Striking Contest Final on Saturday, June 20.
Around 650 ringers and supporters from across the UK gathered for the competition which returned to York for the first time since 1999.
The home team delivered what judges described as a “stunning” performance to secure victory on their own bells, exactly one hundred years after the current ring of 12 was installed in the Minster.
The winning band featured David Hull, Helen Taylor, Alison Edmonds, Simon Edwards, Andy Blacklock, Joe Waters, Ryan Mills, Samuel Austin, William Regan, Julia Cater, Ewan Hull and Ed Mack.
Band leader Ed Mack said he was “incredibly proud” of the York team.
“Success in this contest comes from dedication, hard work and teamwork over many months,” Ed said. “Everyone made sacrifices, supported one another and persevered through an intensive programme of practices.
“This victory belongs not only to the 12 who rang in the final, but also to the wider band, our supporters and volunteers, and the many people who helped us prepare along the way.
“To win on our own bells during their centenary year, in front of so many friends from across the ringing community, makes the achievement even more special.”
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Nine finalist teams gathered beneath the vaults of the Minster’s nave for the draw and official photographs before making the climb up the ancient cathedral’s 100 steps to the ringing chamber.
Each band was allocated a 30-minute session in which to ring both a practice piece and a test piece on bells widely regarded as among the finest in the country.
Bristol was announced in third place, with Birmingham – the most successful band in the history of the competition – taking second place.
It was the first National 12-Bell Final with an all-female judging panel which an event spokesperson said “marked a significant milestone in its history”.
Between performances, ringers gathered at contest headquarters in the Cross Keys pub in Goodramgate.