Not all eyes and ears were focused on Symphony Hall in Birmingham on the weekend as the 16th Exmouth Brass Band Festival, promoted by the South West Brass Band Association took place in Cornwall.

Excellent entertainment

10 bands from Cornwall, Devon and Somerset provided excellent entertainment for the audience and adjudicator Alan Fernie, who congratulated all the competitors and their MDs for the high standard of playing, programme content and entertainment value they produced.

First win

After a string of near misses at the contest over the past few years, it was First Section Pendennis Brass Falmouth that finally claimed the honours under the baton of MD, Steve Thomas with a set based on the theme of 'Stage & Screen' hits.

Soprano player Amanda Gardener also gave a beautiful rendition of 'Gethsemane' to take the Mary Rouse Shield as 'Best Soloist', whilst the band also took the award as 'Garden Band of the Day' for their performance at the fringe concerts in the Pavilion Gardens.

Second Section contenders Sidmouth Town came runner-up, with Weston Brass in third.

The awards were presented by the Deputy Mayor of Exmouth, Councillor Brian Coles, and Alan Fernie.

Soprano player Amanda Gardener also gave a beautiful rendition of 'Gethsemane' to take the Mary Rouse Shield as 'Best Soloist'4BR

Result:

1. Pendennis Brass Falmouth (Steve Thomas)
2. Sidmouth Town (Adrian Harvey)
3. Weston Brass (Bryn James)
4. Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne) (David Boorer)
5. Indian Queens (Mark Arnold)
6. Bideford Town (Mark Durham)
7. South Molton Town (Gil Taylor)
8. Newquay (Ben Martin)
9 = Appledore (Jim Wortley)
9 = Camelford Town (Stephen Wagstaff)

Exmouth Brass Band Festival Champion: Pendennis Brass Falmouth
Best Entertaining Band: Indian Queens
Best Soloist: Amanda Gardener (soprano) — Pendennis Brass Falmouth
Best Percussion Section: Indian Queens
Best Trombone Section: Weston Brass
Garden Band of the Day: Pendennis Brass Falmouth