MEMBERS of Goodwick Brass Band have the right to blow their own trumpet after being crowned UK National Champions at the weekend.

The 29-piece band gave a commanding performance of Kenneth Downie’s Purcell Variations at the Racecourse Stadium in Cheltenham on Saturday.

One of the Second Section judges, Glyn Williams, said: “What a performance! Music-making of a very high standard.”

His compliments were matched by British Bandsman magazine, which said: “From first note to last, Goodwick was a class apart with its inspiring performance.”

Goodwick’s Musical Director, Matthew Jenkins said: “This is an unbelievable achievement and a dream come true. Although I knew when we left the stage we had produced an exceptional performance.

“This is a youthful but dedicated band which has worked immensely hard over the last few months and we were rehearsing hard right up to the morning of the event.

“We thought we had done well last year, but we were shocked to have come 10th. It has been important to bring back the band’s confidence.

“With so many young players, we do enjoy a laugh and we can relax in concerts but on Saturday, they were really in the zone and the adjudication showed how far they have come in terms of musicianship and technical ability.”

His sentiments were echoed by the band’s chairman Tony Evans, who hailed the event as the best day of his band career. He said: “We have worked long and hard to put the band on the map of British banding. I knew they had played magnificently, but it was agonising waiting the verdict.”

Goodwick Brass Band celebrated its centenary in 2011 and earlier this year won promotion to the National First Section, in which it will compete in the new season. Upcoming performances include St Peters Church in Goodwick on October 12 and Saunderfoot’s Regency Hall on October 18.