Held at The Wintergardens, Blackpool, The Spring Festival comprises three contests all geared to qualifying for a place in The British Open Contest held in September at The Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Firstly the Senior Trophy, then the Senior Cup and then the Grand Shield. At this years contest, the test piece was Philip Wilby's 'Masquerade', and the adjudicators were David Read and William Relton. The Band finished in 20th place and so was relegated to the 2006 Senior Cup.

First beer (post performance). Note that despite standing in the Galleon Bar, the swaying,  the rapidly closing eyes, have yet to happen. And that's only Kathy!

Don't worry Mel, Stewart will be back soon.

Such concentration.

Too much talking, not enough drinking for Sophie's liking.

Tony waiting to be confirmed Band Granddad, oops elder statesman. When Simon Blow decided to leave (15 May) Tony without any close opposition landed that prestigious role.

Jez, displays the man on a mission expression. Unfortunately despite all of the early promise, the mission turned out just to be in bed before 10pm. And he was ....... asleep.

 Danny is not impressed with the intrusion mid impression.

A great picture of Mark spoilt by the grinning wig!

Please no comments about a dog with a hair lip - Mark, Mark and Jensen.

Yes, we've all done it ladies, vodka/gin in a water bottle. Your eyes give it away!!

Despite many hours work, the redeye reduction had no effect. It looked like Andrew Grady from the late eighties Hessle Band, but .......... we are waiting for Buffy The Vampire Slayer to go to work.

My Hero!!!

Is this a before and after shot??

Doesn't that look like a man about to enjoy his first pint for a week?

And then Mel breaks the magic by asking for the location of the Ladies.

Old Red Eyes O'Grady (no relation to Sinatra) gatecrashes another picture, whilst looking as though he knows what Paul is talking about. He's bluffing........ no one knows what Paul talks about! 

No Alison, we are still not falling for the glass of water illusion.

Alison shows how to do the old gottle of geer trick with a Jez lookalike glove puppett. 

Andrew Grady, actually thought he could gate crash more pictures than Alison.

Steve does a wonderful impression of a rabbit caught in car headlights, as Emma gives a lesson in embouchure technique - so she said! 

A rose between two thorns, or ....... 

I don't believe it, "quick Paul look at this" Tony shouted for assistance.... 

"Blimey", Paul agreed.

Vicki, didn't your parents tell you not to eat the yellow snow, or drink the blue beer?

It was funny at the time .............................. honest!

Paul tries for a real moment of tenderness, spoilt only by Alison's laughter, oh and the 324 on looking bandsmen.

Thumb wrestling - Girlie style!

I think Exley went that way John.....

Thanks John, without you we wouldn't have got here.

Oh no, not the 'Past my sell by date' story again. 

Paul speechless for once, as he watches Steve improve his European contacts.

Steve Turton and his 'Swedish Friend'.

Tony obviously finished the story then!!

Having blown the froth off a couple, Mark found that most of it had landed on his lip.

The only way to keep Andrew out of the picture was to give him the camera, and then smile at him. I said 'Smile' Mark.