*
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    


podcast

Podcast: Whisky High Notes: Episode 1

March 26 • Composer agent and whisky lover, Dr. Naomi Belshaw is joined by Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place to talk about whisky and classical music...


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: New Jerusalem (Kenneth Downie)

March 26 • A upbeat march to put a concert audience in an immediate good mood from Kenneth Downie.


Guildhall

Guildhall Solo Competition entries now open

March 26 • If you are a brass or percussion player aged 9-18 and Grade 3 and above, them why not enjoy yourself in competition and in finding out more about your playing skills...


Tine Thing Helseth

Best Classical Recording Award for Tine Thing Helseth

March 26 • The Norwegian trumpet soloist has won a prestigious Spellemannprisen for Best Classical Recording for her latest release, 'Echoes'.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Back row cornet vacancy. . Instrument available


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Percussion - kit vacancy. . Pearl & mapex kits available . Own bandroom, no additional setting up between rehearsals


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • 2nd Euphonium vacancy. . Flexible rehearsals available to support band-home life balance


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd