The Deiniolen Band recently celebrated a hard earned contest victory at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, held in Bala.

Strong challenge

The band managed to hold off the strong challenge of rivals City of Cardiff and Newtown to win the the Second Section title.

The band, conducted by Gavin Saynor, presented a challenging programme which won praise from adjudicator Roy Roe. Their winning programme included, 'Fanfare from Vivat Regina'; 'A Gaelic Blessing'; 'A Spin Through Moscow'; 'Saying Goodbye' and 'Gaelforce'.

Pushed hard

Gavin told 4BR: "I really wanted the band to push themselves in preparation for the National Finals in Harrogate, and the effort has given me even more confidence that this could be a fantastic year for the band."

He added: "A special thanks must go to Resident Conductor Wynne Williams who works so hard week in week out, and also to soloist Cai Jones for his fantastic flugel playing."

...the effort has given me even more confidence that this could be a fantastic year for the bandMD, Gavin Saynor

Busy week

Gavin had a busy week of rehearsals leading up to the contest, as he was also involved in Beaumaris’ challenge in the Championship section.

"Luckily enough the bands are only about 16 miles apart so I was able to arrange to have early Deiniolen rehearsals and then catch the second half of Beaumaris," he added breathlessly.

"It was hard work, but it all paid off in the end!"

The contest was the second meeting of the year between City of Cardiff and Deiniolen, with regional success going to Cardiff.

Further success

Meanwhile, Deiniolen also sent two members on the recent NYBBW summer course.

Brother and sister, Sion Elwyn Hughes and Manon Elwyn Hughes became the third set of siblings from Deiniolen to appear with the band, increasing the number of players from Deiniolen to play for Wales to 11.