Bands from across Cornwall have recently competed in this year's South West Brass Band Association contest, with one band in particular coming out on top.

Several Cornish bands travelled to Torquay at the weekend to take part in the contest which this year celebrated its 75th year.

Among them was Porthleven Town Band who left the competitions as winners, after triumphing in two of their sections. The band were named winners of the second section and the third section.

Falmouth Packet: Porthleven Town Band soprano Jeremy Squibb (R) was named the best soloist in the second section. Porthleven Town Band soprano Jeremy Squibb (R) was named the best soloist in the second section. (Image: Porthleven Town Band)As well as the band succeeding at the contest, its Training Band (Community Brass) where awarded second place in their section, whilst Porthleven Town Band soprano Jeremy Squibb was named the best soloist in the second section.

It has been a very successful year for Porthleven Town Band. Earlier this year, they were named the third National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain after competing in Cheltenham in September 2023. A review of the band's performance by Brassing Around at the time said: “A fine performance from Porthleven, striving through the performance, beginning to end is driven.

“The piece gains its confidence as it goes on, and we’re treated with a lovely cornet solo. Well done.”

Following their triumph in Cheltenham, Porthleven Town Band were welcomed back to the village with an organised homecoming march where they paraded through the village playing some of their best-loved tunes, whilst receiving cheers and applause from members of the public throughout the entire route.

Falmouth Packet: Members of Porthleven Town Band waiting to hear their results Members of Porthleven Town Band waiting to hear their results (Image: Porthleven Town Band)As well as Porthleven, Helston Town Band also travelled to Torquay to take part in the championships and were crowned fourth in the open section following the band's performance of Eric Ball’s ‘Resurgram’. Special thanks were given to John Berryman and Kevin Johns for their support on the day, and to David Pascoe who stepped in on short notice due to sickness.

Linda Frew, Will Orchard and Ella Taylor who competed for the first time in a national championship were also praised for their efforts during the contest.