The growing strength in depth and geography of London & Southern Counties banding was shown to fine effect at Stevenage last weekend, when competitors from Norfolk and Suffolk proved their contesting credentials.

Eight bands

Eight bands from the East Anglia area took part in the event, with Norfolk Wherry (above winning the National title in 2012) leading the way by claiming a place at the Third Section National Finals at Cheltenham.

However, it was the performances of other bands across the sections that really made an impression, with Great Yarmouth Brass, who were only promoted to the Third Section this year, coming a very creditable seventh out of the 16 competitors.

Encouraging

Soham Comrades gained a highly encouraging podium finish in the Second Section, whilst Ipswich & Norwich Co-op just missed out on a Cheltenham trip after coming third in the First Section, with Haverhill Silver ending 5th and Cawston Band gaining a very creditable 13th.

Fourth Section debutants East Coast Brass were delighted to come 5th, with Woodbridge Excelsior also very pleased with their top 10 finish

This is great news for the area, which has a long and proud brass band traditionSpokesperson

Great news

A spokesperson for the competing bands told 4BR: "This is great news for the area, which has a long and proud brass band tradition.

Although there is a rivalry between the bands, players regularly dep for each other at engagements and the bands are very proud that they show true banding spirit and co-operation and support each other.

It shows that banding isn’t in decline in the East Anglian Brass Band Association and especially in Norfolk and Suffolk."