There was an early Friday afternoon rush to the Geneva Instruments trade stand in Stavanger on the weekend as the main sponsor of the European Championships offered two lucky visitors the chance to win a pair of tickets for all the main contest and Gala Concert events.

Valaisia supporters

In the end it was a trio of supporters of the Valaisia Band for Switzerland who raced up the stairs with mouthpieces in hand and the right answer to the all-important quiz question that won the prize.

With one of them already having been fortunate to have a ticket there was delight for Sophie and Noella as they took possession of their tickets in plenty of time to see their band — one that had all three of their partners in its ranks.

Bit breathless

Speaking to 4BR, Vincent F Eckerman Executive Director Geneva Instruments said: "We enjoyed a great response to the offer and the trio were a bit breathless when they reached us!

All had mouthpieces with them, knew that Richard Marshall played on a Geneva 'Cardinal' cornet and were thrilled that they could go and enjoy their band in the hall. They also entered the band in our 'Quartet of Cardinals' instrument draw, which could see them win a a free set of traditional quartet instruments — two cornets, horn and euphonium."

Quartet of Cardinals

That prize is part of Geneva's 25th anniversary 'Quarter Century of #ProgressinPlay' campaign and is open to brass bands worldwide.

Entries are now open on-line from 9th May 2025 via: www.genevainstruments.com