*
banner

100th anniversary celebration for Bugle contest

One of the great open air brass band contests in the world is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Bugle
 

The streets of the Cornish village of Bugle will once again be crowded with spectators to watch the famous march down of the 25 competing bands at this year’s Centenary West of England Bandsman’s Festival.

The event takes place on June 16th at 10.00am with the main competitions starting an hour later at Molinnis Park.

Unique

First held in 1912, the Festival is a unique open air contest and the only one in the world to award a Royal Trophy, presented to the Festival in 1913 by the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall.

In addition the contest schedule lists over 40 perpetual cups and shields available to be won by both bands and individual musicians, as well as over £4,300 in prize money.

First held in 1912, the Festival is a unique open air contest and the only one in the world to award a Royal Trophy4BR

March to and from

Popularly known as the Bugle Contest, one of its attractions is that competing bands march both to and from the contest proudly bearing their trophies before them.

This year entries have been received, not only from bands in Cornwall, but from Devon and as far afield as Hampshire. Of particular interest are the Youth and Training Sections when dozens of young musicians will have their first experience of playing in public.

Adjudicator

The adjudicator for the Centenary Festival is Cornishman John Berryman, whose association with the Festival goes back to the 1950’s, when as principal cornet of Camborne he won the ‘Best Player Award’ in 1957 and 1958.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

June 28 • Midlands Championship section band seeks: 2 x cornet (positions negotiable), 1 x Eb bass, and percussionists.. . Enderby are a sociable, hardworking band with a balanced diary of concerts, contests, and social events.


Hook Norton Brass Band

June 28 • HNBB, based near Banbury in Oxfordshire, is seeking a new Musical Director to lead our friendly and ambitious band. With a varied calendar of engagements and supportive committee, our thriving community band would love to hear from you.


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd