Although they may be rivals in the holiday trade, both the Butlins and Pontins organisations are keen supporters of the brass band movement.

Hard work and dedication

And for the past 35 years it has been through the hard work and dedication of Dario Touhladjiev that Pontins has been providing their brand of brass band entertainment and contesting.

Fantastic work

At Butlins a couple of weekends ago, Dario's fantastic work was recognised when he picked up his own award from the Band Traders Association in recognition of the outstanding contribution he has made to the banding movement.

Dario's fantastic work was recognised when he picked up his own award in regonition of the outstanding contribution he has made to the banding movement4BR

Vital link

Since its inception in 1974 Dario has remained a constant and intergral part of the event in providing vital link between the Contest Controllers, Brass Band Committee and Pontins Management.

Career

His career with Pontins, centering around musical and entertainment administration, is perhaps a far cry from his early studies in philosophy, incorprating linguistics and literary studies but it does perhaps account for his fluency in several European languages and his interest in travel — even to Skegness!

Dario was born in Bulgaria and marrried his English Rose, Pati n the town of Split and came to live in Great Britain in 1972, becoming a naturalised British Citizen in 1978.