The Massed Bands of the Southern Area took the honours as the Sea Cadets’ bi-annual National Band Competition saw some the corps’ best musicians show their high standards within the historic setting of the Tower of London.
With cadets based in the Folkestone & Hythe, Sheppey, New Romney and Herne Bay area and led by bandmaster Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Adam Smith RNR, the Massed Bands of the Southern Area took the major prizes including the Eason Bassett Goblet for Best Band.
In addition, 16 year-old Able Cadet Callum from Folkestone took the honours as he was crowned Best Solo Bugler and Best Solo Drummer in the morning’s soloist categories.
The Massed Bands of the South West Area won Silver as Best Runner-Up, while Weston-Super-Mare took Bronze.
Southern Area were also named Best Dressed Band, Best Corps of Drums, Best Bugle Section and received trophies for Best Musical Display and Best Marching Display.
There was success too for Portland’s Able Cadet William who won Best Original Composition for “Une Source D’Inspiration” which was performed by the Massed Bands of the South West Area.
Able Cadet Walls was named Best Drum Major for his work at the head of Ellesmere Port Sea Cadets.
Ten prize categories were awarded as some of the most talented cadets and volunteers, performed in front of friends, family and the watching public.
Proceedings were watched over by a judging panel made up of senior members of the Royal Marines Bands Service led by Lt Cdr (SCC) Ali Bowen-Davies
Those taking part were just some of the nearly 15,000 cadets and 9,000 volunteers who are part of the charity which seeks to give focus and add new adventures to young lives in the UK.
Captain Philip Russell, RN, Captain, Sea Cadets who took the salute at the traditional end of competition march-past, said; “It was a terrific day and credit goes to the cadets in the bands from up and down the country who made it to London, particularly those who travelled large distances.”
“Congratulations go to the Massed Bands of the Southern Area who have done very well for the second band competition in a row. They deserve every success. It takes hours of practice and above all, nerve to perform at such a venue as the Tower of London and everyone who took part should be thoroughly proud of themselves.”
Martin Coles, CEO, Sea Cadets said; “Of course the stars were the cadets and volunteers who were as amazing as ever, both in the standard of music and indeed backstage. Thank you to the volunteers who entered bands and ensured such a good day.”
“It was a first-class event which I hope entertained the watching crowds as much as those connected to the Sea Cadets.”
PRIZE WINNERS
BEST SOLO BUGLER for The Silver Bugle Trophy:
GOLD: Able Cadet Callum (Folkestone & Hythe, Massed Bands of the Southern Area)
BEST SOLO DRUMMER for The Alan Wain Brass Drum Trophy:
GOLD: Able Cadet Callum (Folkestone & Hythe, Massed Bands of the Southern Area)
BEST DRESSED BAND for The City of Plymouth Cup
WINNER: Massed Bands of the Southern Area
BEST ORIGINAL COMPOSITION for the Seamans Cutter Cup:
WINNER: Leader Cadet William (Portland Sea Cadets, Massed Bands of South West Area) for “Une Source D’Inspiration”
BEST CADET DRUM MAJOR for the Directors Award:
GOLD: Able Cadet Walls (Ellesmere Port Sea Cadets)
SILVER: (Jointly awarded) Able Cadet Owen (Southport Sea Cadets) & Leading Cadet Elise (Sheppey Sea Cadets, Massed Band of Southern Area)
BEST CORPS OF DRUMS for the Haynes Shield:
WINNER: Massed Bands of the Southern Area
BEST MARCHING DISPLAY for the Display Trophy:
WINNER: Massed Bands of the Southern Area
BEST MUSICAL DISPLAY for the Sumner Shield:
WINNER: Massed Bands of the Southern Area
BEST BUGLE SECTION for the Bugle Section:
WINNER: Massed Bands of the Southern Area
THIRD PLACE TO BEST ALL-ROUND BAND:
BRONZE: Weston-Super-Mare Sea Cadets
RUNNERS-UP TO BEST ALL-ROUND BAND:
SILVER: Massed Bands of the South West Area
BEST ALL-ROUND BAND for the Eason Bassett Goblet
GOLD: Massed Bands of the Southern Area