The Mount Charles Band took the title as ‘Cornish Entertainment Champion’ at the Hall for Cornwall in Truro on the weekend.

Impress

Conducted by Darren Hawken, they produced a varied 25-minute entertainment programme to impress adjudicator Dr Robert Childs and pick up the impressive Miller Countrywide Trophy and £1,000 first prize.

The band’s winning programme started with Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s ‘Walking with Heroes’ followed by the march ‘New Colonial’. Leigh Baker’s ‘Elegy’ and ‘Mr Sandman’ offered the audience musical variety and contrast, whilst they ended with Widow’s ‘Toccata’. Principal cornet player Ian Thomas took the ‘Best Soloist’ Award with his rendition of the ‘Harry James Trumpet Concerto’.

We are delighted to have won the contest, especially as it gives the band a boost of confidence ahead of our busy contest schedule in the next few monthsMount Charles Band Manager, Derek Thomas

Lift

The win gave the band a timely lift following the disappointment of just missing out on qualification to the National Finals in Torquay. Band Manager Derek Thomas told 4BR: "We are delighted to have won the contest, especially as it gives the band a boost of confidence ahead of our busy contest schedule in the next few months."

Delight

There was delight for St Austell conducted by Gareth Pritchard as they built on their recent good form at the Regional Championship in Torquay to claim the £500 prize for second place.

Surprise

Dr Robert Childs gave a detailed analysis of what he liked and disliked about each performance on the day before the announcement of the results, so there was only a little surprise when it was announced that Camborne B, directed by Alan Pope had taken third place and the £250 prize ahead of their senior band in fourth, with St Dennis and Lanner & District making up the remaining places.

The event itself was sponsored by Miller Countrywide Estate Agents who have 32 offices throughout Devon & Cornwall, and the day was rounded off by a concert by Black Dyke conducted by Dr Robert Childs.

Delighted

Organiser Bruce Taylor told 4BR: "I’m absolutely delighted with the outcome of the Festival. Knowing the success of two years ago, I was always confident that we would sell out the Black Dyke concert and we have been even more impressed by the support for the contest too."

He added: "The contest was the first time that I have organised such an event and I was really pleased with the outcome and the feedback that I have received from the competing bands and audience. Would we look to do it again? Well of course that will always depend on the response from the bands to any future contest invitation, but I have been encouraged by the initial reaction."

Result:

1. Mount Charles (Darren Hawken)
2. St Austell Town (Gareth Pritchard)
3. Camborne B (Alan Pope)
4. Camborne Town (Kevin MacKenzie)
5. St Dennis (Garry Lannie)
6. Lanner & District Silver (Stuart Chappell)

Adjudicator: Dr Robert Childs

Best Soloist: Ian Thomas (Mount Charles)
Best Section: Trombone section of Camborne B
Best Percussion Section: St Austell Town