The sounds of brass band music reverberated through the east of the island over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Right across the normally quiet village, five of the island’s brass bands took part in the second Prash Laxaa, a festival of brass band music held over Sunday afternoon at five different venues.

The Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band, the Douglas Town Band, the Manx Concert Brass and Youth Band, the Ramsey Town Band, and the Rushen Silver Band all took part, moving around between the Queens Hotel, the Bridge Inn, The Mines Tavern and the Laxey Pavilion, before converging on the village square for a final joint performance, which saw all five bands mingle with each other and perform a joint show for the many on lookers.

There was a slightly competitive edge to the afternoon, with the prize for the most entertaining band on the day.

This year, Rushen Silver Band were awarded the ’Prash Laxaa’ trophy.

The event was organised by Martin Royle and the Garff Commissioners, who are already aiming to bring the event back next year.

’We all feel that this year’s Prash Laxaa was a big success,’ said Martin.

’All the bands were fantastic, and were really well presented, and there were even more people who came to watch, which is great.

’Congratulations must go to Rushen for winning the cup, wresting it away from last year’s winners, ’Ramsey.

’All the bands really enjoy taking part. They are not heavily adjudicated, and the bands all seem to enjoy performing in a fun and friendly event like this after the stresses and strains of the Guild.

’We are now looking at next year’s event, and we hope that we can build on this years success for the future.’