West of England Bandsmen's Festival 2006 - Bugle

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IMMACULATELY dressed and playing beautifully, musicians marched through the streets in a proud tribute to the wealth of talent in St Austell.

Hundreds of brass band members wowed the crowds, showing that support for Britain’s only surviving open-air band contest is as strong as ever.

And as families lined the streets of Bugle in dazzling sunshine, the future looked bright for the West of England Brass Band Competition.

Musicians snaked through the village into Molinnis Playing Field ready for battle in one of the most important events on the bandsmen’s calendar.

And it ended in joyous celebration for Mount Charles and St Dennis bands, who scooped most of the awards.

Mount Charles won first place and the prestigious Royal Trophy in the Championships section, as well as first in the youth section. St Dennis won both parts of the firsts section, as well as second place in the youth section.

One of the brightest stars from their band was 16-year-old Kayleigh Rowe, who has been playing cornet since she was aged seven. After winning best solo cornet of the day, best in section and best in the youth section, she said: “It feels really good. I am pleased because I really did not expect it.”

At the end of eight hours of playing, adjudicator David Horsfield commended the musicians’ dedication and hard work.

“It has been a magical day. And seeing the youth bands was a champagne moment for me,” he said.

Event chairman Melville Hancock added: “I was a bit concerned when I knew the World Cup was on. I thought there would be cornet players off playing football. But music will always be the winner – it’s a wonderful thing.”

Everyone involved agreed that the standard of playing seemed higher than ever at the 82^nd event.

Ivor Bowditch spoke for Imerys, which sponsored the event. He said: “The quality here is second to none. This event is a leading example of the work of brass bands. And it is a hugely important event to Cornwall – it is part of the county’s traditions and long may they continue.”

It had been a day of mixed emotions for Peter Minear, who was forced to miss the parade for the first time in 50 years because of ill health.

But his band, St Pinnock, performed under a stand-in conductor, Mr M White.