There cannot have been too many more delighted Australians in Blackpool on the weekend than Jason Kastikaris, the MD of the newly crowned 2008 Grand Shield champion, Leyland.

Wilderness

After taking over at the helm this year, the personable Australian has immediately made his mark with the band, leading them to runner up spots at the North West Area and Grenland Festivals, and finally putting behind them five years in the British Open wilderness by winning the Grand Shield.

Leyland became one of the select bands to have now won the Shield on more than one occasion. For the Australian it was his first major brass band contesting success in the UK.

Desperation

Speaking to 4BR he revealed just how he and his band overcame the natural feelings of desperation to finally get away from the Spring Festival as well as paying tribute to his former band, BTM, from Wales who picked up the priceless second qualification place for Symphony Hall.