We recently travelled to Torquay to compete in the South West Brass Band Association Championships, playing Oliver Waespi's 'Friendly Takeover'. We worked extremely hard on this piece, as individuals and as a band, so we were delighted to be announced as the winners of the Second Section against fifteen other bands.

This means we have been given the chance to compete in the National Championships of Great Britain in September, against the other winners of our section across England. This is an extraordinary achievement but we need your help. We now have a significant number of additional costs to enable us to take part in the Nationals.

As well as the entrance fee, practice rooms, music and more, one of the largest expenses is our coach to Cheltenham. When we have fundraised for our coach in the past we were so lucky to raise over £800 and are so grateful for any donations in the future.

Our expenses do not include overnight accommodation, meals or individual personal expenses - player's will be self-funding these. We are a registered charity so rely heavily on donations, not just to go to contests each year but to exist and function as a musical enterprise. We provide free musical tuition to anyone in and around Porthleven looking to play an instrument or learn how to read music. By making a donation, you are not only helping us go to Cheltenham but continue to educate the next generation of brass banders and future musicians.

This contest is of particular importance. We have only ever made it through to Nationals three times before! We are keen to continue our development as a band while representing a village we are proud of and serve as a free source of musical education.

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us so far. We hope we make you proud, not just when we compete but through our reputation as a friendly, kind and welcoming band that is also hard-working and continues to perform to the best of our ability.

To follow our journey, check out our Facebook for updates!