An exhibition to celebrate the first 100 years of the famous West of England Bandsman’s Festival, more commonly referred to in the banding world as ‘Bugle’, is to be featured in a special exhibition at The Cornwall Studies Library in Redruth next month.

Extensive archives

This major exhibition draws on the extensive archives built up by the Festival from its earliest days and has been expanded from the small display that was on show at this year’s Festival.

The first event took place in 1912 to raise funds for a Working Men’s Club in the Bugle village and was so successful it has been a fixture in the musical life of Cornwall ever since, attracting bands from all over the world.

Unique event

Especially on a fine day, the unique open air venue and special march of competing bands that takes place both before and after the event makes Bugle one of the iconic contests of the banding world.

In addition, the winning claims the honour of being presented with the only Royal Trophy in banding – presented in 1913 by the then Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall.

Photographs, programmes, letters and memorabilia from a century of banding show a fascinating insight to the history of the FestivalPhillip Hunt

Insight

Publicity Officer Phillip Hunt told 4BR: "Photographs, programmes, letters and memorabilia from a century of banding show a fascinating insight to the history of the Festival, the brass bands of Cornwall and beyond, and their place in the social history of the last century."

Opening details

The Cornish Studies Library, The Cornwall Centre, Alma Place, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 2AT. Tel — 01209 216760.
From Tuesday 2nd October – Friday 12th October.

10am to 5.00pm. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Saturday 10am to 1pm. (CLOSED WEDNESDAYS)