*
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    


British Open

Livestream broadcasts brought in-house for Spring Festival and British Open

April 16 • The 2026 Spring Festival and British Open Championships will be broadcast in a new link between the organisers and Red Shell Productions.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB ready to add to plaudits in Manchester

April 16 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will head to the RNCM in Manchester this weekend.


BBE Young Leaders

Brass Bands England to help new youth leaders

April 16 • A course aimed at enhancing specialised skills to inspire the next generation of brass band players is launched with increased capacity by BBE.


Field of the Cloth of Gold

Wright & Round: Field of the Cloth of Gold (Philip Harper)

April 16 • An exciting concert work that recalls a historic summit of superpowers...


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 18 April • Hathersage Methodist Church . Main Road. Hathersage S32 1BB


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waterbeach Brass

April 16 • Waterbeach Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming and social environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We are a welcoming 4th section band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd