Preview: Bugle Contest
Nestled in the rolling hills and serene countryside in the heart of the Cornwall, is the small village of Bugle. Home to less than 3000 people and between the larger towns of St Austell and Bodmin it is, for the most part, far from a hive of activity. Apart from the third weekend in June. That weekend is the West of England Bandsmen’s Festival (or ‘Bugle Contest’) weekend. Bugle contest is one of my favourite events on the banding calendar. Combining an early morning march contest with an outdoor test piece contest the event is both serious and quirky in equal measure. Bands and supporters travel from across Cornwall and beyond to attend an event that features the perfect blend of summer socialising with serious music making. There can't be many other places where your contest performance is given outdoors, on a temporary stage on a football pitch and at the mercy of the weather. Committed to Excellence Having first been held in 1912, and stopping only for the First World War, Sec
