Young drummer UK winner 'will be in big band'

The UK's top young drummer has been crowned after beating off 300 other percussionists.

Jack Manders won the Young Drummer of the Year competition at the Lighthouse in Poole, Dorset.

The contest, which is open to drummers under the age of 16, attracted 300 entrants from around the UK and Jack beat nine other finalists to take the title on his 16th birthday.

"I'm really grateful for this, it's definitely a great milestone for my career. I'm really proud of myself," he said.

Jack will take the trophy and the prize of a new drum kit back to his home in Cornwall.

Moments after the result was announced he said: "I've been playing since I was one, just on pots and pans, having rhythm in me.

"My parents saw something and decided to hand me a drum kit and I've just got a passion for it."

The annual competition was first organised by Dorset resident Mike Dolbear in 2022.

Mr Dolbear, who arranged the drum at the London 2012 Olympics, said: "These are the top ten kids in the country at playing the drums.

"They're at the beginning of the marathon.

"These kids will be playing in big bands in the next ten years."

The young drummers had to impress a panel of judges including Matty Brown, who won the competition himself ten years ago, and now drums for artists including Stormzy and Sugababes.

Mr Brown said winning the title had been a boost for his career: "I was 15 when I won it and it absolutely gave me the confidence to do the things that I'm doing now."

"Technical skill, groove, independence, musicality, all of these different things that add up to make you a great drummer."

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