Burry Port Town Band is busy preparing to host the newly named West Wales Festival of Brass Contest on Saturday 5th October at their local Memorial Hall in the town.

40 bands

Part of the trio of Welsh League title events, it’s hoped nearly 40 bands will be playing their own choice test piece selections in the various competitive sections.

The move to expand the contest event has come following increased participation, which this year includes dedicated Youth Band (Under 18s and including up to 6 adults) and Junior Band (Under 16s and including up to 3 adults) sections.

New sections

In addition, a new Non-Competitive Community Band Section has been set up to encourage small ensembles to take part in the day by playing a short 15 minute entertainment programme of music.

In addition, a new Non-Competitive Community Band Section has been set up to encourage small ensembles to take part in the day by playing a short 15 minute entertainment programme of music4BR

Aim

Burry Port Band Chairman Graham Howe told 4BR that the aim of the Festival is to encourage participation and enjoyment in brass banding.

"We can't underestimate the importance of Junior and Youth Bands to the future of the brass band movement, and in providing a stage for these two distinct young groups we hope to encourage as many of the senior bands to bring their young brass players along to be part of the day."

He added: "We also want to encourage musical enjoyment, so we would love to hear from as many non competitive ensembles and bands who would like to come along and take the opportunity to perform."

Inclusive

He concluded: “We want to have the Festival as inclusive as possible and make it a great day of music making, so we also hope to set up a Brass for Beginners initiative at the event too.”

Entries

Entries can be made to Tony Evans, Secretary of the West Wales Brass Band Association (WWBBA) via email at evanst@hotmail.co.uk by the closing date of 7th September and all the entry forms are on the website at; http://bit.ly/16oMOYi