The Fairey Band has announced that James Fountain, Principal Trumpet of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will play principal cornet for the band at the forthcoming European Championship in Utrecht.

Speaking to 4BR, MD Garry Cutt said that the decision has a dual purpose as the north-west band looks to reclaim a title they last won in 1994.

"It's wonderful to be back at the Championships for the first time since 2011. The band has been working hard to appoint a long term principal cornet who can fit into our busy schedule, so the opportunity to work with James for this event is the ideal solution for us at the moment."

Remarkable talent

Garry added: "I've been fortunate to link up with James at both Grimethorpe and Wallberg Band in Switzerland and as people know who hear him week in week out with the LPO, he is a remarkable talent. We are delighted he has agreed to help us out."

He also revealed that the contest will mark yet another milestone in a former Fairey principal cornet's career, as Brian Taylor, who led the band on their 1994 success, will once again be the foundation stone of solo cornet team — 31 years after his debut at the contest in 1987.

I've been fortunate to link up with James at both Grimethorpe and Wallberg Band in Switzerland and as people know who hear him week in week out with the LPO, he is a remarkable talentGarry Cutt.

Unthinkable

"Fairey Band without Brian Taylor is unthinkable, so who better to see sat there smiling back at you just before I bring the baton down for the first note of the test piece!"Garry laughed.

"He's delighted to be playing next to James, even though anyone who heard him perform at the RNCM Festival this year knows he's still a remarkable cornet player.

I also know that if Fairey Band is here in another 31 years time, Brian will most probably be sitting there enjoying himself as always."