*
banner

Royal party seal of success for St Dennis

The patron of the West of England Bandsmen's Festival has presented the trophy in his name to the St Dennis Band.

St Dennis
  The band and their MD meet the royal couple at the garden party

Following the successful return of the West of England Bandsmen's Festival in Bugle this year, organisers have announced that arrangements for the 2023 event are already in hand.

The 97th festival will take place on June 17th and will be adjudicated by Steve Sykes.

Royal Trophy

The festival has the unique distinction of awarding The Royal Trophy, presented in 1913 by the then Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall. The current Prince of Wales is the Patron of the event.

The first prize in the Championship Section was won this year by the St Dennis Band conducted by Darren R Hawken, and as result they were invited to perform for guests at a Garden Party hosted by The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE, at Boconnoc House.

Photograph

It was attended by The Prince of Wales, and The Duchess of Cornwall to mark the 70th anniversary of him becoming head of The Duchy of Cornwall.

During the event the royal couple took time out to be photographed with the band and the trophy.

Image copyright: Charlie Sainsbury Plaice

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open

High demand for premium tickets for British Open

June 5 • Premium tickets for the British Open are starting to become increasingly limited — so don't miss out.


Chav Brass

Chav Brass set for serious fun at Whit Friday

June 5 • The scallywags of the Whit Friday circuit will be performing with serious ambition this year as they seek to inspire the next generation with a mix of DJ Sammy and Eric Ball...


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


EverReady

Enjoy Spring Festival highlights

June 4 • The British Open has produced a special YouTube feature capturing the highlights of the 2025 Spring Festival in Blackpool.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


HYDE BAND

June 5 • WE CURRENTLY HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES FOR BB BASS, BARITONE & EUPHONIUM. Join our friendly 1st Section Band in the New forest, working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contests. Rehearsals Mon & Thurs 8-10


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for SOLO TROMBONE. Rehearsals Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd