Celebrating over 100 Years of the Bugle Band Contest
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The 100th West of England Bandsmen's Festival, better known as the Bugle Band Contest, was one of those occasions.
I had the privilege of covering this landmark event from both the ground and the air, documenting not only the outstanding musical performances but also the atmosphere, emotion and community spirit that have made this contest one of Cornwall's most treasured traditions for over a century.
A Milestone for Cornwall
Held at Molinnis Park in Bugle, the West of England Bandsmen's Festival has been celebrating brass band music since 1912, bringing together competitors, volunteers and spectators from across Cornwall and beyond.
This year's contest marked its 100th competition - a remarkable achievement that reflects generations of dedication from organisers, volunteers, musicians, adjudicators, sponsors and supporters.
As Contest Promoter Matt Rowe reflected after the event:
"Our contest means so very much to so many of us. We remain committed to protecting the precious heritage we have inherited and preserving and building upon it for future generations to enjoy and cherish."
It was clear throughout the day just how much the contest means to everyone involved.
Capturing the Event from Every Angle
Throughout the event I photographed performances, presentations and candid moments at ground level before taking to the skies to capture the scale of the festival from above.
Drone photography offers a unique perspective that complements traditional event photography, showing not just the performances themselves, but the incredible atmosphere created by hundreds of musicians and spectators coming together for such a historic occasion.
A Historic Victory
One of the standout moments of the day saw G.U.S. Band lift the prestigious Royal Trophy for the first time since 1955 - a remarkable 71-year wait since the band last won under the name Munn & Feltons.
Congratulations also go to every competing band and individual prize winner whose performances helped make the centenary contest such a memorable celebration.
Special recognition should also be given to composers Paul Saggers and Christopher Bond, whose specially commissioned works added another unforgettable dimension to this historic occasion.
A Real Privilege to Document
Having now worked through thousands of photographs from the day, I'm incredibly grateful to have been trusted to document such an important piece of Cornwall's cultural heritage.
Events like this are about far more than simply recording what happened - they preserve memories, celebrate community and create a lasting record for future generations.
Congratulations to everyone involved in organising the 100th Bugle Band Contest. It was a fantastic day, a privilege to photograph, and one that I have no doubt will be remembered for many years to come.
Here's to the next 100 years - and see you next year on 19th June 2027!
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