*
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    


Tredegar

Buckley celebrations at heart of Tredegar concert

March 25 • The musical lives of Brian Buckley and his son Richard will be marked at a special concert this weekend in Swansea.


Philip Sparke

Dutch National Championship headed by Sparke

March 25 • 'Perihelion: Closer to the Sun' will test the top section bands at this year's Dutch National Championships.


Mark Glover

Glover fits Sterling relaunch

March 25 • Sterling Musical Instruments has welcomed euphonium player Mark Glover to its roster of Performance Artists, following the relaunch of the brand.


Morton

Morton takes Desford baton

March 25 • David Morton is set to strengthen ties with National Champion by becoming Musical Director.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Back row cornet vacancy. . Instrument available


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Percussion - kit vacancy. . Pearl & mapex kits available . Own bandroom, no additional setting up between rehearsals


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • 2nd Euphonium vacancy. . Flexible rehearsals available to support band-home life balance


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd