*
banner

Welsh contesting season set to Open in Porthcawl

The 2018 Welsh contesting season will open in entertaining fashion in Porthcawl in February.

pORTHCAWL
  13 bands will line up at Porthcawl's Grand Pavilion for the Welsh Open

The Welsh contesting season kicks-off in Porthcawl on 17th February with 13 bands competing for the Welsh Open title at the seaside resort's Grand Pavilion.

The entertainment contest has proved to be a popular event ever since it was started back in 1998 and despite some clashes with the televised rounds of the bi-annual Band Cymru event this year, it has still managed to attract a highly competitive field from both sides of Offa's Dyke.

Magnificent trophy

The winner will claim the magnificent CISWO Challenge Trophy and £1000 first prize whilst there are a number of other podium, section and individual awards.

The highest placed band not already taking part in the British Open Spring Festival will be invited to compete in the event.

The adjudicator will be Steve Sykes with Sarah Hayward choosing the separate entertainment award.

The contest starts at 11.00am with tickets available for the box office on 01656 815995

The highest placed band not already taking part in the British Open Spring Festival will be invited to compete in the event4BR

Competing bands:

Abergavenny Borough
AW Parker Drybrook
BTM
Burry Port Town
City of Cardiff (Melingriffith)
Ebbw Valley Brass
Filton Concert
Goodwick Brass
Jackfield
Llwydcoed
Markham & District
Tylorstown
Wantage Silver

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Spring Festival

Feedback to bring significant changes to Spring Festival

May 20 • The Mortimer family has responded to the feedback from the recent Spring Festival contests in Birmingham as concerns and complaints have been addressed.


UniBrass Band Camp

Time to sign up for Band Camp

May 19 • If you want to enjoy the UniBrass Band Camp experience this year then there is still time to sign up.


Bradwell Silver

Bradwell to celebrate 125th anniversary with special premieres

May 19 • Two newly commissioned works by composers Alan Fernie and Joe Galuszka will help Bradwell Silver Band celebrate its 125th anniversary this weekend.


nybbgb

75 youngsters to enjoy expert NYBBGB audition help

May 19 • 75 young players will enjoy expert tuition help at a trio of 'Ready to Shine' skills workshops later this month with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Brass

May 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek a Bb Bass to join our friendly, musically ambitious Central London band. We enjoy a varied and balanced schedule of concerts and contests, and regularly premiere new music.


wantage silver band

May 19 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Harrogate Band

May 19 • We are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete our team. Interesting mix of engagements and contests. Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd