THE annual South West Flute Festival, run by Tavistock-based Flute Cocktail, was held at its new venue St Joseph's School, Launceston, re­cent­ly.

Attracting flautists young and old from Penzance to Exeter, and a few from further a field, the weekend was a great success.

This year's special guest was Gareth Davies the

principal flautist of the London Symphony Orchestra, with international piano accompanist Tim Carey.

The participants took part in a breathing and relaxation techniques to help battle concert nerves session by yoga teacher Barry Elms from Elmsgrove Yoga and Holistic Therapy on the Saturday morning.

Both days involved listening and learning from brave fellow flautists as they played in front of everyone in master class sessions with Gareth. Flautists across the South West will now be using the aids of a toilet roll and a straw to master their breathing control!

Then everyone all enjoyed playing together as a flute choir, which includes piccolos, alto's and bass flutes, with a challenging flute arrangement of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody mastered on the Sunday session. A fantastic lunch was provided by Taste! both days, and there was a chance to shop at the Just Flutes stand and take your flute to Jessica Rance, instrument repairs.

On the Saturday evening Gareth and Tim entertained the local community, participants, friends and family to a

fantastic recital including a fun tricky piccolo piece accompanied by an alarm clock!

A raffle was held to raise money for the running and future running of the festival. Thanks have been extended to the local businesses who donated raffle prizes, and St Josephs were also thanked for a brilliant venue and to sponsors and support from the various companies.