*
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    


Herbert

The Brass Band Story set for publication

February 26 • A new book written by Prof Trevor Herbert and aimed at general readers interested in an overall analysis and insight into the brass band movement in the UK and beyond, is to be published in July.


Desford

Small drop in Midlands Area entrants

February 26 • 69 bands will compete at the Midlands Regional Championships over two weekends in March.


Perth

Positive uptake for Scottish title challenges

February 26 • There will be two full days of competitive and non-competitive music making at the 2026 Scottish Championship in Perth.


Riverside

Line-ups for North of England Area confirmed

February 26 • 42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and Cheltenham later in the year.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd