Players and supporters alike had a great day at the 90th West of England Bandsmen’s Festival in Bugle on Saturday as Camborne Junior Contesting took the honours in the Fourth Section.
The Camborne Youth Band (competing as Camborne Junior Contesting) followed up their 2013 Fourth Section victory by beating off competition from 10 other bands to once again claim the top prize. Conducted by Alan Pope, the band won with what 4barsrest.com described as “a cracking performance” of Malcolm Arnold’s ‘Little Suite for Brass’. It was a double triumph, as Principal Cornet, Abi Roberts, deservedly won the award for Best Player.
Success for the Camborne organisation continued into the Championship Section where the Camborne Town Band, conducted by Kevin Mackenzie, won the Royal Trophy along with many other special awards, thanks to a well constructed performance of Edward Gregson’s ‘Connotations’.
The Youth Band now has a busy summer ahead, giving local concerts and raising funds for their first international tour to Belgium in August. This is to mark the centenary of World War One by playing at the Menin Gate and taking part in commemorative concerts in and around West Flanders.