IN THE RARIFIED world of brass banding, an invitation to compete in the National Finals of the Kapitol Promotions Brass Band Championships is the ultimate prize for months of hard work.

Bands from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England compete in Regional Qualifying Championships throughout the month of March and last weekend, Romsey favourites Michelmersh Silver Band (MSB) travelled to Devon to participate in the First Section of the West of England Championships in Torquay.

Michelmersh Silver Band performing in July 2023 (Image: Tim George) Hard work under the baton of Musical Director Kevin Smith came to fruition with the band being awarded second place in a field of 18 First Section bands.

The placing earned MSB an invitation to compete in the Kapitol Promotion’s National Brass Band Championships in September for a second successive year and promotion to the Championship Section in 2026.   

Their performance of Morley Calvert’s tricky test piece composition ‘Introduction, Elegy and Caprice’ was praised by the adjudicators for its “masterfully balanced and paced music”  and “great dynamic showmanship”.

There will be an opportunity to share in some of that very special MSB ‘showmanship’ in the Plaza Theatre in June when they are joined by local funnyman and compere Mark Ponsford for ‘SHOWTIME!’ – a concert of music and fun from the world of stage and screen.  

‘Showtime!’ concert: Plaza Theatre  Wednesday June 18 at 7.30pm. Tickets available now at www.ticketsource.co.uk/plazatheatre