The inaugural Newtown March & Hymn Tune contest held on 10th June proved to be a great success, with the weather remaining kind throughout the day in the pretty mid Wales market town.

Large crowds

There were large crowds lining the town’s High Street for the march into the Town Hall Park where people gathered to hear each band’s performance on the specially erected stage. The event provided the culmination of the week-long Newtown Diamond Jubilee and Carnival Celebrations.

Judges

Deportment judge, George Washington, gave his verdict on each band, whilst Beaumaris MD Gwyn Evans adjudicated the musical content on show.

North Wales winners

In the event it was Llanrug, who made the short trip down from North Wales who took the £300 first prize and the inaugural winner’s trophy under the direction of Paul Hughes.

They were closely followed by hometown favourites Newtown under Steve Edwards who picked up £200 as runner up, with Beaumaris Youth Band claiming third and £100 under Nick Hughes.

Fine return

There was a fine return to competitive banding for Knighton Town Band who took the £60 prize as the highest placed non-registered band, whilst Pippa Scourse, solo cornet of Beaumaris Youth Band took the £50 Soloist Award.

The President of Newtown Silver Band, John Bennett presented a plaque to each of the youth bands who took part as a memento of their attendance. Whilst awaiting the results, the audience enjoyed music performed by the 10 piece brass group ‘Accidental Brass’.

During the afternoon each of the bands together with Accidental Brass, entertained the audience with a 20 minute mini concert which.

Results:

1. Llanrug Silver (Paul Hughes)
2. Newtown Silver (Steve Edwards)
3. Beaumaris Youth (Nick Hughes)

Highest placed Non Registered Band: Knighton Town Band (Criag Foskett)
Deportment Winners: Newtown Silver Band
Soloist Award: Pippa Scourse (Beaumaris Youth Band)
Highest Placed Training Band: Newtown Training Band (Steve Edwards)