Brass Band Contest

Cheltenham Festival goers will recognise The Centaur but horse racing has been given over to brass bands this weekend for the West of England regional brass band contest, part of a national competition the finals of which are held in September.

Over 70 bands are performing in 5 sections according to their ability, with our band playing in the second tier, the so-called First Section. And out of 15 bands we came 6th, which we're very happy with. A stop-off at a pub on the way home (see extra) ended with a close to midnight arrival as the motorway was closed due to roadworks. A long but enjoyable day.


As if we hadn't had enough, me and a fellow bandsman are going back tomorrow to listen to some Championship (top) section bands, which should be a treat.

Given the pandemic and the challenge of rehearsing and preparing some really challenging contest level music, every band who performs over the weekend should be very proud of their achievement, regardless of the result.