ONE of Cornwall’s most iconic spectacles takes place next weekend when brass band musicians from South East Cornwall and all over the country mach through the streets of Clay Country.

Saturday, June 16 will see 18 brass bands - including Lostwithiel Town - marching through the Mid Cornwall village of Bugle at 10am at the start of the 94th West of England Bandsmen’s Festival.

The Bands are judged on their deportment as they make their way to the contest field for the day’s competition at this unique open-air festival.

Several thousand spectators line the main street to cheer on the bands, before making their way to Molinnis Park to hear them compete in the seven different sections, including for youth and training bands.

This year the festival is welcoming the Spijkerpakkenband from the Netherlands, as well as bands from neighbouring Devon and Dorset, to join the Cornish bands in friendly competition.

Mark Wilkinson, this year’s music adjudicator, is making his first appearance, with Jonathan Lush Camps LRSM acting as the new deportment judge.

Prize money totals some £4,000, with £1,000 going to the winners of the Championship Section, as well as the prestigious Royal Trophy, presented by the then Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall to the Festival in 1913. The royal connection is maintained as Prince Charles is Patron of the Festival.

More than 40 other trophies are presented throughout the various sections, including 12 special soloists’ awards, which are eagerly sought after by the musicians.

With trade stands and the famous tea tent, a full day of entertainment begins with the march to the field at Molinnis Park at 10am, with the contest commencing at 11am.