The sun shone brightly on one of the most famous brass band contests in the world a couple of weekends ago, as Camborne took ‘double top’ honours at the 86th West of England’s Bandsman’s Festival in the Cornish village of Bugle.

Royal Trophy

Playing the set work, 'Un Vie de Matelot' by Robert Farnon, the senior Camborne outfit led by Garry Cutt took home with them the £1,000 top prize to retain the wonderful Royal Trophy which has been presented to the winning band since 1913.

The win gave the London finalists a timely boost following their recent poor result at the Cornwall Entertainment Contest, where they came fourth behind their B Band as well as rivals Mount Charles and St Austell.

Armful of prizes

It was the band’s eighth success at the contest since 2000 and 35th victory overall since the festival started in 1912.

With over 40 prizes up for grabs, Camborne players also left with their arms full of silverware, with solo cornet player Kayleigh Rowe picking up the 'Best Player' award, and Les Kneebone and Robert Jose picking up the individual awards presented to the best soprano and euphonium.

Grenland and Cornwall Entertainment champion Mount Charles, directed by Gareth Pritchard, had to be content with second place this year as they sought their first victory since 2006, whilst there was an encouraging podium finish for Helston Town under the baton of John Hitchens.

the senior Camborne outfit led by Garry Cutt took home with them the £1,000 top prize to retain the wonderful Royal Trophy which has been presented to the winning band since 19134BR

First Section

Meanwhile in the First Section, it was the inform Camborne ‘B’ Band conducted by Alan Pope that also picked up the top cash prize of £500, after they beat off the challenge of the emerging STORM Brass conducted by Simon Dobson on the set work, 'Purcell Variations' by Kenneth Downie.

Lower Sections

In the Second Section there was local delight as Bugle beat off the challenge of Pendennis Brass to take the £250 first prize, with timpani player Rachael Scott taking the 'Best Player' award.

The current National Fourth Section champion, St Breward returned to form by taking the Third Section honours under Brian Minear, with solo cornet player Mo Whitehead taking the 'Best Player' Award.

In a well contested Fourth Section, victory went to Tiverton Town conducted by Gilly Taylor, who beat off the challenge on Eric Ball's 'A Holiday Suite' of Launceston Town and Porthleven. Tiverton's solo cornet player Tina Pillivant took the 'Best Player' award.

Youth prizes

In the excellent Youth Section contest, Mount Charles Youth conducted by Jeremy Wilcock beat off the challenge of rivals St Dennis, whilst Ann Brown led Launceston to victory in the Training Section.

Results:
Set Work: Un Vie de Matelot
Adjudicator: Peter Roberts

1. Camborne Town (Garry Cutt) – 194
2. Mount Charles (Gareth Pritchard) – 193
3. Helston Town (John Hitchens) – 192
4. St Austell (Gareth Pritchard) – 191
5. St Dennis (Daren Hawkin) – 190
6. Markham & District (Nigel Seaman) – 189

Best Player: Kayleigh Row (Camborne)

First Section:
Set Work: Purcell Variations
Adjudicator: Peter Roberts

1. Camborne B (Alan Pope) – 192
2. STORM Brass (Simon Dobson) – 191
3. Markahn & District (Nigel Seaman) – 190
4. Egham (Gareth Green) – 189

Best Player: Emma Sweet (Egham)

Second Section:
Set Work: Tryptich
Adjudicator: Peter Roberts

1. Bugle Silver (Jeremy Wilcock) – 187
2. Pendennis Brass (Steve Thomas) – 186

Best Player: Rachael Scott (Bugle)

Third Section:
Set Work: Talisman for Brass Band
Adjudicator: Peter Roberts

1. St Breward (Brian Minear) – 180
2. Porthleven Town (Francis Ralph) – 178

Best Player: Mo Whitehead (St Breward)

Fourth Section:
Set Work: A Holiday Suite
Adjudicator: Peter Roberts

1. Tiverton Town (Gilly Taylor) – 178
2. Launceston Town (Dave Dobson) – 177
3. Porthleven Town (Francis Ralph) – 176
4. Okehampton Excelsior (Des Law) – 174
5. St Newlyn East (Barry Skinner) – 173
6. Lostwithiel Town (Denzil Stephens) – 172
7. Liskeard Silver (Gerard Morgan) – 171
8. Redruth Town (Norman Johns) – 170
9. Indian Queens (Kevin Ackford) – 169
10. Newquay (Linda Tretheway) – 168

Best Player: Tina Pillivant (Tiverton Town)

Youth Section:
Set Work: Saddleworth Festival Overture
Adjudicator: Peter Roberts

1. Mount Charles Youth (Jeremy Wilcock) – 180
2. St Dennis Youth (Gary Lannie) – 178

Best Player: Rachel Crabb (Mount Charles Youth)
Best Cornet: Stephanie Wilkins (Mount Charles Youth)

Training Section:
Own Choice
Adjudicator: Peter Roberts

1. Launceston (Ann Brwon) – 152
2. St Austell Junior (David Mumford) – 151
3. Lostwithiel (Mo Whitehead) – 150

Best Player: Neal Mitchell (Launceston)
Best Cornet: Grace Denford (Launceston)

AR Trudgian Youth Awards:
Jessica Trerea (Cambore)
Christopeher Bond (Camborne Youth)

Special Awards:
Soprano: Les Kneebone (Canborne)
Cornet: Kayleigh Rowe (Canborne)
Euphonium: Robert Jose (Camborne)
Horn: Rachel Sargent (St Dennis)
Basses: Camborne B

Deportment:
1. St Austell Town
2. Camborne