The twelfth annual Ironbridge Gorge Festival was hailed a great success on the weekend, despite the inclement weather.

Around 5,000 people flocked to the free two-day event to enjoy 21 bands of various musical genres providing entertainment in the grounds of the Museum of Iron at the famous World Heritage site of Coalbrookdale.

Packed gala concert

The Jackfield Elcock Reisen and Jaguar Land Rover Bands rounded off the weekend with a packed gala concert in aid of Severn Hospice, joining forces for a magnificent finale that included 'Amazing Grace' by William Hines and Edward Gregson's 'Variations on Laudate Dominum'.

This year's event was however, tinged with sadness following the sudden death earlier in the year of valued committee member, Eric Peagam.

Eric was instrumental in starting up a series of Youth Brass Workshops in the run-up to the Festival after gaining sponsorship from the Gorge Parish Council. Over the last few years the workshops have provided an opportunity for dozens of young people in the area to play a brass instrument for the first time.

Tribute

As a tribute to Eric, the annual competition for young brass composers which he also initiated with support from local estate agents, Nock Deighton, has been renamed the 'Nock Deighton Eric Peagam Memorial Trophy'.

This year's winner was 18-year old Daniel Hall from St Austell, whose winning composition, a march entitled 'Tredegar', was performed at the Gala Concert by the Jaguar Land Rover Band.

Popularity

Festival Chairman, Neil Fury, told 4BR: "The popularity of the Ironbridge Gorge Festival has increased among both the players and the public every year since its inception. More and more bands are asking to come and play in the relaxed atmosphere of the Museum of Iron, which has kindly hosted the event for us.

The core philosophy of the Festival is based around showcasing a traditional music genre in a non-competitive environment to entertain the public for free.

Bands are not paid to be here but come to enjoy the opportunity to play on a big stage, with a large audience and without the pressures of formality and competition."

The core philosophy of the Festival is based around showcasing a traditional music genre in a non-competitive environment to entertain the public for freeFestival Chairman, Neil Fury

Massive growth

Crewe Brass performed at the event for the third year, with Musical Director, Jamie Meredith telling 4BR: "We have seen a massive growth in the event.

It's obvious how much it is enjoyed by everyone who comes. The Festival is a great credit to the town and we are looking forward to performing here again next year."