Around 650 ringers and supporters gathered in York as the Minster’s band secured a memorable victory on its own centenary bells in the country’s most prestigious ringing competition.

York Minster’s bellringers crowned a remarkable centenary year for the cathedral’s famous twelve bells by winning the National 12-Bell Striking Contest Final on Saturday 20 June. Around 650 ringers and supporters travelled from across the United Kingdom to York for the country’s most prestigious ringing competition. 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 twelve was installed in the Minster.

Band leader Ed Mack said: “I am incredibly proud of the York team. Success in this contest comes from dedication, hard work and teamwork over many months. Everyone made sacrifices, supported one another and persevered through an intensive programme of practices. This victory belongs not only to the twelve 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.”

The contest returned to York for the first time since 1999, when the Minster band also won on home ground. This year’s event combined outstanding ringing with the warm welcome for which York Minster is renowned.

Nine finalist teams gathered beneath the soaring vaults of the Nave for the draw and official photographs before making the climb up the Minster’s famous 100 steps to the ringing chamber. Each band was allocated a thirty-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. Visitors enjoyed glorious summer weather throughout the day, while competitors faced rather warmer conditions in the ringing chamber itself.

Between performances, ringers gathered at contest headquarters in The Cross Keys, catching up with old friends, making new ones and enjoying the unique atmosphere that accompanies major ringing events. More than thirty volunteers, easily recognised in their red York Minster t-shirts, helped ensure that competitors and visitors alike received a warm welcome and that the day ran smoothly from start to finish.

The contest also marked a significant milestone in its history, with the first all-female judging panel ever appointed for a National 12-Bell Final. The four judges included a mother-and-daughter team, reflecting the growing diversity of leadership within the ringing community. As evening approached, competitors and supporters gathered at Central Methodist Hall for the eagerly anticipated results. Bristol was announced in third place, with Birmingham – the most successful band in the history of the competition – taking second place. York Minster emerged as worthy winners, producing a performance that stood out amongst a field of exceptionally high-quality ringing.

The winning band comprised 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.

The victory provided a fitting climax to the centenary celebrations of York Minster’s bells and marked one of the most memorable achievements in the band’s modern history. It was also a powerful demonstration of the skill, dedication and community spirit that continue to keep the ancient tradition of change ringing thriving in the twenty-first century.