It was not uncommon for a diverse range of organisations to organise brass band contests as a way of boosting attendances to their events and the Royal Cornwall Gazette included notice of the 1st August event stating, “There will be a Band Contest in connection with the exhibition – St Austell Cottage Gardening Society. Patron-Sir O B Graves Sawle, Baronet.”
It took place in 1881 and 1882 but if there were other events then they are proving elusive.
1881
We do know that it was held on Pond-dhu Lawn on the 1st August 1881 but the identity of the adjudicator, the names of the competing bands and the reults have eluded us.
1882
The 1882 St Austell Cottage Gardening Society Contest was held on Pond-dhu Lawn in August but other details have ot been found.
As ever, if you have any more information then it will be gratefully received.
Compiled by Tony Mansell (Bardh Kernow)