Aston Contest - 1860

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ASTON PARK - MUSICAL PRIZE FIGHT

To be sung to the tune: " Will you come unto the Bower"

In Aston Park, next Monday, a Band Contest there's to be,
When Wednesbury and Oldbury, and Matlock Bands you'll see,
And Great Bridge, Wolverhampton, also Tipton, I've been told,
Will fight against the Yorkshire Bands, and carry off the gold.

CHORUS

Then success to the Brass Band Contest, and champions of the field,
Who will play up for Old England, and cause the rest to yield.

For Wednesbary and. Metcalfe, and Mattock Bath you'll see,
Will play off for the first places, as certain as can be;
For in all that's good and tasty, the Toy-shop of the World,
Our well-earn'd district banner, has for ages been unfurled.

Then success to the Brass Band Contest, &tc.

And Distin's Cornet must be won by Alexander Will,
Who at Holder's goodly Concert Hall, has nightly trained his trill;
For Birmingham it can't be beat, if her man. stands firm and true,
And keeps from tricks at Liverpool which caused him to fall through.

Then success to the Brass Band Contest, &tc.

And Ryland's patent metal, the Cup of gorgeous gold,
Ought Metcalfe, the midland teacher, his merit to uphold,
For teaching the black country the humanizing art,
Of each blowing his right instrument, and playing off his part.

Then success to the Brass Band Contest, &tc.

Our Gracious Queen has sent us, that day to please us all,
Her gallant Highland soldiers, who made the Russians bawl
At Alma, with poor Lord Clyde, they thrashed our northern foe
And will again, if wanted, e'en if' to Poland they've to go.

Then success to the Brass Band Contest, &tc.

And the Princess Alexandra, it must not be forgot
Has sent her Piper, Henderson, forget it we must not
For his skill it is so wondrous, in Scotia's music own
That it alone, unaided, aught to entirely draw the town.

Then success to the Brass Band Contest, &tc.

Our gallant Corps of Volunteers. Rifle and Artillery,
Must go and take a lesson from Professor Gregory,
Who will show them all the art, to hit, cut, thrust, and slash,
His "Assault at Arms" is sure to be full of fire and dash.

Then success to the Brass Band Contest, &tc.

A day's rational recreation is provided then for all,
A sensible sensation to please both great and small;
And Gen'ral Jackson shows his tact, the money is all right,
For Sixpence it admits you up to any time of night.

Then success to the Brass Band Contest, &tc.

And dancing, and good humor, and English Sports so old
Will he enjoyed by thousands of whom untruths are told
And prove unto all England that it is but a sham,
That is said about the pleasures of the folks of Birmingham

Then success to the Brass Band Contest, &tc.