The West of England Bandsmen's Festival has announced that HRH The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, has agreed to extend his patronage of the famous brass band for a further term.

Royal connection

Founded in 1912, the then Prince of Wales presented the event with a Challenge Cup the following year. The Royal Trophy has subsequently been awarded to the winning band ever since.

The royal connection was strengthened in 1937 when the Duchy of Cornwall a medal to each member of any band that succeeded in winning the Royal Trophy three times in a row. Just thirteen sets of the coveted medals were awarded by the Duchy Steward before the tradition came to an end in 2000.

In addition, on the event's Golden Jubilee in 1974 the Duke of Cornwall presented it a silver inscribed trumpet to be awarded to the leading cornet player of the day in the Championship Section, whilst on the centenary the winning band received a personally signed certificate.

The Festival is delighted that the royal connection has continued to be further strengthenedspokesperson.

Delighted

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The Festival is delighted that the royal connection has continued to be further strengthened. The Trustees are always mindful of maintaining the long established traditions of the festival, whilst endeavouring to ensure it reflects the requirements of the present day."

Unfortunately, this year's event has had to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, although a 'virtual' march past of bands through the village of Bugle will be broadcast live on Facebook at 10.00am on what would have been the Festival day on Saturday 20th June.