PILLOWELL Silver Band retained their crown of ‘Best in the West’ at the finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at Cheltenham Racecourse.

It was recognised as the highest placed band in the region (fourth section). The achievement adds to a year’s worth of accolades.

The band were placed a respectable eighth position at the prestigious contest, after beating 20 other bands at the regional competition in Torquay. As well as contest success, both the main band and training band entertained audiences locally and further afield during their busy summer season, and are now preparing for their popular annual Christmas concert at Lydney Town Hall on December 20.

In the last two weeks, the band has bid a fond farewell to several younger players who have just started university, opening up opportunities for new members to join the musical team.

Musical director, Ian Whitburn has launched an ‘open door’ recruitment drive to swell the ranks of both the main and training bands, and says players of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to come along.

Band chairman Ali Hennessy added: “We have a great training band where players can build confidence and ability, and we also have instruments available for loan.”

New players can visit www.pillowellsilverband.com