UNDER conductor Ian Holmes Lydbrook Band has enjoyed unparalleled success in the past two weeks.

First they retained the Gloucestershire Championship (for the eighth year in succession) at the Forest Theatre.

Then, in the following week, they travelled to Weymouth where they were again victorious and became the Champion Band of Wessex.

On their way to this title they defeated the current West of England Champion Band, Woodfalls.

The band performed Philip Wilby's 'Paganini Variations' which featured many of the band's soloists and at both contests numerous special awards were won. These included Best Bass Section; Best Percussion Section; Best Horn Section; Best Flugel – Emily Dodsworth; Best Euphonium – Alison Millin; Best Cornet – Phil Storer; and Best Instrumentalist Prizes – Alison Millin and Phil Storer.

The band is now looking forward to its annual Christmas Concert at the Forest Theatre on Saturday, December 10 when they will be joined by the wonderful show choir, The Great Western Chorus. Tickets for the event can be obtained from Barbara Morgan on 01594 860944.