*
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

4BR British Open podcast

September 6 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions on Wednesday evening ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

September 6 • 30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

September 6 • The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...


Dizzy

Dizzy Brasscals set for night club launch in Manchester

September 6 • The award winning events ensemble is headlining a new night club venture close to its spiritual musical home — with plenty of bangers for people to sing-along to.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd