Tredegar has confirmed that they have been unable to accept their invitation to compete at the 2010 European Championships in Linz in Austria next year.

Factors

Speaking to 4BR, Band Chairman Alwyn Powell explained that a combination of factors has meant that for the first time in their history the band has had to withdraw from the contest.

"It has been a very difficult decision for the band, but a combination of cost, contesting priorities and work commitments has mean that we have had to reluctantly withdraw."

We have a proud record at the European contest going back to the very first event in 1978, so not being able to represent Wales for what would have been the ninth time is a major disappointmentTredegar Band

Cost

4BR understands that the band has sought to gain sponsorship help for the trip, without success, whilst travel costs of well over £20,000 were prohibitive for the self funded band.

In addition, with a full domestic contest and concert diary, a number of players had found taking additional time off work a problem.

Priorities

Alywn added: "We do have other contesting priorities this year, especially in trying to get back to the British Open, but the cost implications of the trip without sponsorship help were prohibitive. We have a proud record at the European contest going back to the very first event in 1978, so not being able to represent Wales for what would have been the ninth time is a major disappointment."

Northop invite

The Northop Band from North Wales has now been asked to accept the invitation as the second Welsh representative at the contest, following their third place at the Welsh Regional contest in Swansea earlier in the year.

Seven days

However, it was revealed on a televised Welsh news programme that featured the band that they have just over seven days to accept the invitation from the contest organisers, whilst MD Thomas Wyss was quoted as saying that they would have to look at ways of raising over £25,000 to meet the cost of competing in Austria in May next year.