THIS month Shrewton Silver Band will be representing Shrewton, Wiltshire and the West of England at the National Brass Band Championships finals of Great Britain. This is the first time since 2010 and follows previous appearances at the national finals in 2004, 2005 and 2008.

The band gained second place in the West of England Brass Band Association’s Regional Championship second section in Torquay in March, receiving excellent reviews from the adjudicators which sees the band through to the national finals on Saturday, September 15.

The band recently suffered the sad loss of their president of nearly 40 years, Peter Sweet MBE, who died in August this year, but the band is looking forward to the contest.

Musical director, Mike Dunford said: “This is the first time for a few years that Shrewton Silver Band has reached the national finals and we are keen to show how well we can perform. Practice over the last few weeks for the test piece, Firestorm, Rhapsody for Brass Band by Stephen Bulla, by has gone well. We thank everyone who has given their support to the band and we will aim to make our village, region and Peter proud”.