Brass band crowned among England's best

A brass band has been shortlisted for a national award after the premiere of its 'Crash Bang Donkey' music.

West Somerset Brass Band's nomination for the Band Project of the Year Award from Brass Bands England comes after members created showcases their novel song.

A project years in the making, the piece is based on a children’s book written by local author Jill Newton.

"It would be wonderful to get our name, and Watchet, on the map nationally," said musical director, Niall Watson.

The music was originally set to music by an American musician, Joshua Guarisco, for his 67-piece symphony orchestra in Wisconsin.

In 2019, Ms Newton gave the score to West Somerset Brass Band and it was transposed into brass band music by Nigel Moyles, a project lasting four years and described by Mr Watson as "a complex process that took considerable effort".

The piece was finally premiered during the Watchet Summertime 2023 in the band's hometown.

Speaking to BBC Somerset, Mr Watson said: "We were hoping it would only take a year, but it's actually been amazing with all the support we've had from Jill and all the hard work of the musicians.

"We like to take a really active role in community events and played a concert recently for the D-Day commemorations.

"If we win this award, it will be mean a great deal to us to get our name out there and continue the great work that all brass bands in the country are doing," he added.

The Brass Bands England 2024 awards are due to be announced by the end of July.

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