Sun shines on big parade (From Stroud News and Journal)

Sun shines on big parade

THE SUN shone and the crowds turned out for the fifth annual marching band contest in Stroud at the weekend.

Musicians of all ages, with the youngest aged 7, from across the country descended on Stroud to compete for the coveted prizes and showcase their talents on Saturday.

This year, the standard of competition was high with five bands battling it out, including Warwick Girls band and Kingston Scout Band, who also performed at last year's festival.

Among the awards on offer was one for the best soloist - presented to a saxophonist from the Kingston and Malden Scout and Guide Band, who also won the award for best wind section.

The award for best percussion section went to Warwick Girls band with Ilfracombe and District Youth Band picking up the prize for most entertaining band as well as the SNJ Sponsored prize of best gaffer trophy.

This year bands also competed for a new prize, established in honour of former SNJ editor, Dennis Mason, who helped organise the festival and who died in June, aged 79.

The Dennis Mason Memorial Shield was awarded to Malvern's Upton Youth Band by the Marching Band Committee for their overall performance.

Deputy Town Clerk, Sheral Gardner said the festival outshone last year's. "It was better than the last festival because last year we had the weather against us," she said.

"There was a really good atmosphere and all the performers really enjoyed themselves."

Committee treasurer Bernard Brown also thought the event was a huge success. "The festival was very good, the weather was perfect - it was very well received and we had a good crowd," he said.

Mr Brown, who brought the contest to Stroud in 2000, announced after the competition that he would be standing down as treasurer, but he added he was finishing on a high. He will now be looking to appoint his successor.