FOREST brass bands were successful at the recent West of England Regional Championships with two going onto the national finals. 

Lydbrook Band, conducted by Gareth Ritter, and Lydney Town Band, conducted by Thomas Dunne, both achieved third place finishes in the First and Third sections..

Both bands now qualify for a place in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, to be held in Cheltenham in September.

In a Facebook post, a spokesman for Lydney Town Band, said: “What a weekend! It’s only just settling in that this September, we will be returning to the National Championships for the first time in eight years.

“Enormous thanks to our Musical Director, Thomas Dunne, for all his hard work and dedication over the last few months to get us here. Shout out to our brilliant Contest Secretary, Julie, for all her work on securing rehearsal venues and making sure everyone knew where they had to be.”

The West of England Regional Championships is held annually in Torquay. 

The AW Parker (Drybrook) Band, competing in the Championship Section for the first time since 1977, came 8th.

Forest of Dean Brass, also in the First Section, came seventh while Cinderford Band and Bream Silver Band, came 14th and 15th in the Second Section respectively and Pillowell Silver Band, were 10th in the Fourth Section.