Despite appalling weather which affected many of the outdoor performances on the weekend at the 17th Exmouth Festival of Brass, the contesting sunshine still shone on SW Communications Band under recently appointed MD Chris Spreadbury, as they swept to a commanding victory.

Prizes

Not only did they claim the overall title, but also took the prizes for 'Best Entertainment Band', 'Best Band in Section' and 'Best Soloist'.

Last year's runner-up Sidmouth Town once again had to be content with a well-earned second place, with Weston Brass also maintaining their good form at the event in coming third.

Comfort

A capacity audience certainly enjoyed the comfort afforded by the Exmouth Pavilion as 14 bands from Cornwall, Devon and Somerset provided excellent entertainment in their bid to catch the ear of adjudicator Sarah Groarke-Booth.

Fourth place went to Burnham & Highbridge, conducted by star trombone player Stephen Sykes, who is currently making a recovery from illness and was due to go back into hospital this week, whilst Indian Queens and Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne) made up the top six.

Well thought out

Sarah later stated that she had been impressed by the high standard of playing, with what she called '…a range of well thought-out programmes'.

Special mention was also made to the youngsters from Plymouth Soundhouse Youth, conducted by Gary Thompson, who she placed third in the overall Entertainment prizes.

Top of her list however was SW Communications as the band (who will be promoted to the First Section in 2017) opened with the Mnozil Brass inspired 'Blue' arranged by John Doyle.

Baritone soloist Brent Heyworth (above) delivered a superb rendition of 'Misty' to take the 'Best Soloist' award, whilst the band's varied set came to an end with 'Victory' from Peter Graham's 'Cry of the Celts'.

Thanks

An event spokesperson told 4BR: "Unfortunately, the atrocious weather conditions, with heavy rain and a gale force wind forced play in the Pavilion Gardens to be abandoned, but our sincere thanks go to the five bands who braved the conditions in the morning."

The awards were presented by the Deputy Mayor of Exmouth, Councillor Jeff Trail, and the SWBBA President, Sue Richards.

Sarah later stated that she had been impressed by the high standard of playing, with what she called '…a range of well thought-out programmes'4BR

Results:

1. South West Communications (Chris Spreadbury)
2. Sidmouth Town (Adrian Harvey)
3. Weston Brass (Bryn James)
4. Burnham & Highbridge (Stephen Sykes)
5. Indian Queens (Mark Arnold)
6. Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne) (David Boorer)
7. South Molton Town (Gil Taylor)
8. Bideford Town (Mark Durham)
9. Appledore ( Jim Wortley)
10. Wincanton Silver (Joanne Sykes)
11. Camelford Town (Stephen Wagstaff)
12. Plymouth Soundhouse Youth (Gary Thompson)
13. City of Exeter Railway (Grahan Eaton)
14. Newquay (Steve Fryatt)

Exmouth Brass Band Festival Band 2016: South West Communications
Best Entertaining Band: South West Communications
Best Soloist: Brent Heyworth (Baritone) -with South West Communications
Best Percussion Section: Weston Brass
Best Trombone Section: Indian Queens