SUNDAY saw a day-long contest between Forest of Dean bands and others from around Wales and the South West at Five Acres.

"The annual contest has been held at the Forest Theatre for many years due to it being a convenient venue," says David Harding, chairman of Drybrook's A W Parker Band and now secretary of the Gloucestershire Brass Bands Association (GBBA ), the organisers.

A total of 17 bands played an 'own choice' test piece and march for adjudicator Philip Harper.

Forest bands were the A W Parker (Drybrook), Pillowell, and Lydbrook Bands, with other bands travelling from as far away as Yeovil, Reading, Midsomer Norton and Port Talbot.

David says the event has proved very successful in encouraging young people to play in their first brass band contest.

Lydbrook took first place in the Section A Championship and First Section bands in march and test piece, followed by Yeovil Town.

A W Parker (Drybrook) was third in Section B (march and test piece) with Pillowell in fifth position and A W Parker (Drybrook) was also highest-placed third section band.

Lydbrook Training Band came third in Section D.