JUST two weeks after winning the UK national First Section title at Cheltenham, Goodwick Brass Band pulled off another shock success at the West Wales contest held in Burry Port.

Appearing in the top level Championship section for only the second time, Goodwick reprised their national performance of Kenneth Hesketh’s The Alchymist’s Journal to stun their more established rivals and lift the title.

Adjudicator Steve Sykes’ verdict was “a super performance” as Matthew Jenkins led Goodwick to first place ahead of Llwydcoed and hosts Burry Port.

There was further cause for Goodwick to celebrate this week when their national triumph rocketed them to number 44 in the world rankings, a stunning 44 place leap in the British Bandsmen charts.

“This has been a remarkable and rewarding time for all of us,” said Matthew Jenkins.

“The Alchymist’s Journal is a most challenging piece of music but everyone in the band has worked very hard to perfect their parts and it has come together brilliantly in two major competitions.”

Goodwick’s youthful band have made six consecutive appearances in the national finals and their promotion to the highest level has amazed brass band pundits. Now they are aiming to take this sparkling form to the Welsh regionals at Swansea in the spring hoping to give Wales’ top bands a real run for their money.