+ Bideford Town Band

‘The Band started in Bideford as long ago as 1853, although we haven't got any original players any more! The first brass band contest in Devon was held in Bideford in 1936 and the band continues to entertain people all over north Devon, year-round, as well as taking part in the occasonal contest.’ Each year the Band organize a Solo & Quartet Contest: ‘Entries still peak at around 120, competitors coming from far and wide: Wales, the Midlands, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Cornwall as well as our own and local players. It is very rewarding to see the contest attended by so many younger (aged 12 and below) competitors; this reassures us about the future of brass banding’.