The highlight of the evening was a preview of their set test-piece, Four Dances from Checkmate, performed ahead of their appearance in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. The band had qualified in March as one of three bands to represent the West of England at the championships. They were also proud to be the highest placed West of England band, earning them the self-proclaimed title 'Best in the West'. The band, however, won't have much time to celebrate as they are already preparing for the Wessex Brass Band Association Contest and their sold-out three-night MSB Christmas Show. The band received a £1,000 councillors' community grant from Test Valley Borough Council to help cover the costs of attending the national finals.