The famous West of England Bandsman's Festival gains a royal seal of approval from a failed trumpet player and heir to the throne...
The West of England Bandsman’s Festival and St Austell Town Band received a royal stamp of approval at Lostwithiel in Cornwall this week.
Centenary
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were visiting the town and asked to meet representatives of the Festival and St Austell Band, in recognition of the centenary of the Royal Trophy, presented to the event 100 years ago by Prince the Duke of Windsor, the then Prince of Wales.
Prince Charles wrote a foreword for this year’s programme and provided a special signed certificate to accompany the unique Royal Trophy, both of which were awarded to St Austell, conducted by Melvin White, after winning the Championship Section of the contest.
Trumpet player
Revealing that he had once attempted to learn the trumpet, the Prince and the Duchess spent some time chatting to the festival officials and the band about the thriving brass band scene in Cornwall.
Lostwithiel Town Band, conducted by Denzil Stephens, provided music for the occasion.