The second half of the 2018 contesting season kicked off on the weekend when the South West Brass Band Association held its 19th annual Exmouth Brass Band Festival at the town's Pavilion Gardens.

Bands were welcomed by excellent weather and an enthusiastic, knowledgeable audience, with the results also featuring a massed band concert on the well trimmed lawns.

Impressed

Adjudicator David Marshall was impressed by what he heard from the competing bands — especially the entertainment set by winner Weston Brass, who returned home not just victorious, but also claiming awards for 'Best Outside Concert', 'Best Second Section Band', 'Best Percussion' and 'Best Soloist' for trombonist Mark Smith.

South Molton conducted by Gil Taylor was runner-up, taking the 'Best Third Section' and 'Best Trombone Section' award in the process, whilst Bideford Town was third.

There was also great entertainment on show from the other bands with the youngsters of Lanner Academy really making their mark.

Led by MD, Ceri Thomas it was Weston's first success at the event after coming third in 2016 and runner-up last year, with spokesperson Mark Mills telling 4BR that the victory was a great team effort.

Team effort

"It was great to finally claim the title after two podium finishes,"he said. "We've been working hard and really enjoyed the contest this year with the entire band playing their part in the victory. It was a real team effort led by Ceri at the helm."

He added: "We'll be celebrating to night with a team curry before we start preparing for a great event performing at the Graduation Day at Weston College and the Torquay contest in November."

Weston's 30-minute set opened with 'Fanfare of Daffodils' from 'Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden', before they segued into the contrasting items of 'The Day thou Gavest' by Philip Wilby and their choreographed version of Cole Porter's 'Be a Clown'.

Matt Smith excellent trombone solo 'Here Comes That Rainy Day' deservedly won him the 'Best Soloist' award, with the band, and percussion team in particular, supporting his efforts on Neil Hefti's 'Cute' to follow.

Principal cornet Pam Kirby led the way with 'She moved through the Fair' before flugel player Rob Terham took the lead as the band closed with 'Children of Sanchez'.

We'll be celebrating to night with a team curry before we start preparing for a great event performing at the Graduation Day at Weston College and the Torquay contest in NovemberWeston Brass

Result:

Adjudicator: David Marshall

1. Weston Brass (Ceri Thomas)
2. South Molton Town (Gil Taylor)
3. Bideford Town (Mark Durham)
4. Indian Queens (Mark Arnold)
5. Lanner Brass Academy (Lee Rouse)
6. Camelford Town (N/K)

Best Overall Performance: Weston Brass
Best Overall Entertainment: Indian Queens
Best Soloist: Mark Smith (trombone) — Weston Brass

Best Percussion Section: Weston Brass
Best Trombone Section: South Molton Town
Best Ungraded Band: Lanner Brass Academy

Best 4th Section Band: Bideford Town
Best 3rd Section Band: South Molton Town
Best 2nd Section Band: Weston Brass
Best Band in the Gardens: Weston Brass