*
banner

Real Olympian set to perform in Swansea

A real Olympic athlete will be performing in Wales this weekend with Pontypool.

Pontypool
 

Pontypool Brass will be facing the challenge of Philip Harper’s ‘Olympus’ this weekend with the help of a real life Olympian.

Multi-talented Venissa Head, one of Welsh athletics finest international competitors, will be playing Bb tuba in the band’s quest for victory at the Brangwyn Hall.

Olympic Games

Venissa competed in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, achieving an impressive 6th place in the shot putt and 7th in the discus event, amazing achievements given the level of competition from the former Soviet Union and Eastern European countries that were taking part.

Commonwealth Games

She went on to claim a silver medal in the discus in the 1986 Commonwealth Games.

Venissa‘s niece, Cerys, is also a member of the bass section, (which is three quarters female!) and her twin sister, Viv, plays for the band too.

Venissa competed in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, achieving an impressive 6th place in the shot putt and 7th in the discus event4BR

First appearance

This year marks the band’s first appearance at the Championships since being rescued from folding little over a year ago by Owen Farr, Cory’s star horn player, who started his playing career with the band and still lives in the town.

Under his command they have gone from strength to strength returninbg local Welsh League competition with a stunning 2nd place and a ‘Best Horn Section’ prize at the Blaenavon contest late last year.

Nerves of steel

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It will be the first time that many of the band will perform at the Brangwyn Hall, as a good proportion are under 18 and are playing with a contesting band for the first time."

They added: "Although ‘Olympus’ features a chariot race, rather than more modern day sports, the band will be hoping to share Venissa’s nerves of steel and Olympic pedigree as they take to the stage in hope of a podium finish!"

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    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Chinnor Silver

July 3 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet fortnightly on a Monday morning (next rehearsal 7th) and we welcome any players who want an extra blow.. We require no allegiance just come and enjoy the friendly blow with coffee and cake thrown in.(Its all free)


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd