St Austell Town Band have told 4BR of their delight after their recent win at the Bugle Contest.

The band last won the famous Royal Trophy in 1987 and 21 years on it has returned to the closest Championship Section band to the contest venue.

Royal connection

The Royal Trophy was presented to the Festival in 1913, by the Duke of Windsor, then Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, and to this day is the only trophy with a royal connection in the brass band world.

Favour

This year under the baton of Gareth Pritchard St Austell's performance of the test piece ‘Salute to Youth’ and melody ‘Spring’ found favour with the adjudicator Stan Lippeatt.

His comments of; ‘Very clean and effective technical playing’ and ‘...a fine performance, exciting playing with great dynamic control’ were echoed amongst many members of the audience, and by the time the results were announced it was no surprise that St Austell were announced as the winners.

I’m delighted with both the performance and the result, all the hard work has really been worth itResident MD, Aaron Harvey

Solo prizes

In addition principal cornet player, Hannah Hawken took home the prize for 'Best Solo Cornet', soprano cornet player Rachel Whitaker was awarded 'Best Soprano' whilst bass players Barney Donohew, Clive Fewins, Bev Bennett and Iain McKnight were awarded the prize for the best bass section.

Aaron Harvey the bands resident conductor told 4BR: "I’m delighted with both the performance and the result, all the hard work has really been worth it."

Overcoming problems

The band were not without their problems in the lead up to the contest, as solo euphonium player Paul Smith was unable to play due to illness just a few days before the contest. Nigel Thomas from Newbride Celynen stepped in at the last moment.

Professional Conductor Gareth Pritchard was delighted with the result and is very much looking forward to working with the band in the very near future.

Celebrations

Not only did the band prepare and perform a winning performance on the day they also planned a very successful post contest party in their own social club. Members of the Wantage Band, Bugle Silver Band and Mount Charles Youth Band joined together for an evening of entertainment and celebrations which went on into the small hours of Sunday morning.