Butlins in Skegness. In the Summer, an extensive holiday complex for families, in the colder months, a place for clubs and societies to have National gatherings on a large scale. From 19th to 22nd of January, it once again became a hive of activity for the Brass Band movement, who began using it for an open contest (still retaining the old name of Mineworkers Contest) in 2004, (formerly held in Blackpool). Flixton Band were there, playing a fabulous new piece by Keith Wardle, "Edwin of Northumbria".   Up against stiff National competition, they still managed a commendable fifth place out of fourteen bands in their section. When the band arrived on Friday , the weekend got off to an excellent start, good food and drink, good accomodation, and plenty of professional entertainment, including none other than Bucks Fizz!   On Saturday morning they played, and then the rest of the time was their own.  Butlins, full of things to do and people to meet, and Saturday night included the American Drifters, (who seem to be able to perform in many venues around Europe simultaneously)! Sunday was a bit colder and wetter outside, but this was easily forgotten in the main hall, Centre Stage, where a capacity audience were entertained all day by Championship bands competing in an Entertainment Contest.   On Sunday night, Jacks Bar had the local comedian and Metal Materials Recycler Sid Dennis!  Excellent.  Followed by the House Band doing a seventies set.   On Monday morning, the complex began to empty, with many of the patrons planning to visit one of the Country's best brass band weekends again in 2008.

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