A LOCAL band which found its future at risk only a few years ago, has shown that it is fighting as strong as ever after securing a podium position at a top regional competition.

During the Covid pandemic, members of Launceston Town Band found themself unsure what the future of the group could look like, as the band found itself thin on the ground as a result of members leaving.

However, today the group is thriving, something which members of the community have attributed to the dedication of its musical director, Ann Brown.

Ann has been at the heart of the group for a number of years, putting in ‘tireless work in developing new musicians’ alongside the longstanding members who have remained committed to the band.

As a result, the band has lived on, continuing to delight audiences with its musical talent. The group even has a thriving learner programme, a Junior Band and a Senior Band, providing opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities to get involved.

The Senior Band has around 35 regular playing members, including 11 young musicians aged between 11 and 16. Its oldest playing member is 87, demonstrating the band's appeal across generations.

However, this work, effort, and talent came to a head recently as the band secured what Ann has described the result as the band's best contest achievement since 2017.

Following a busy season, the group has spent recent weeks working hard in preparation for its return to the 78th Annual South West Brass Band Association Contest.

After an early start and a coach journey to Torquay, the band was drawn first in the Fourth and Ungraded Section, giving its members the honour of opening the contest by performing the National Anthem. The band then took to the stage with its chosen test piece, The Journal of Phileas Fogg, a musical journey taking the audience from London to Paris, Moscow, Vienna and Spain, before returning home by sea.

With their performance complete, members had a lengthy wait for the results, taking the opportunity to enjoy performances from fellow South West bands competing in the Third, Training, Youth and Second Sections.

Five of Launceston's young musicians, who also play with Cornwall Youth Brass Band, had another opportunity to perform during the day, stepping in to support St Dennis Youth Band with its test piece, Indian Summer. The band went on to achieve second place in the Youth Section.

However, there was further cause for celebration when Launceston Town Band was announced as the runner-up in its own section, receiving the Newcombe Cup, as well as the SWBBA Cup for the highest-placed ungraded band.

A spokesperson from the band said: “The result marks a significant milestone for the band, which only returned to contesting in 2024, initially entering a Training Band. In 2025, it entered both the Youth Band Section and the Senior Band in the Fourth Section.”

Despite their success, the hard work does not end, as the group turns its attention to a busy Christmas season. The band is looking forward to marching in Launceston's Christmas Lights Switch-On parade on later this month, followed by carolling around the town and at local businesses and events throughout December.