Despite an extremely wet start to the day, the Newtown March & Hymn Tune contest has been hailed a great success after nine bands made their way to the mid-Wales town on the weekend.

Llanrug winners

With a number of fine performances to enjoy for the supportive audience, it was North-Wales visitors Llanrug led by Paul Hughes (above) who eventually claimed the overall honours.

They returned home with their coach full of silverware as they also took the 'Best March' and 'Best Hymn Tune' prizes, with their talented young cornet player Owain Iestyn deservedly taking the 'Best Soloist' award.

Awards

Hot on their heels, and also gaining the 'Best Bass Section' award, was Menai Bridge Porthaethwy under Chris Williams. Meanwhile, Shrewsbury Brass directed by Steve Pritchard-Jones put in a solid performance to come third.

Local favourites Newtown Silver claimed the open Deportment prize, with 3 year old percussionist Ella Foskett of Newtown Training Band claiming the 'Youngest Player of the Day' award.

High standard

Music adjudicator Gary Davies stated that he was very impressed with all competitors, complimenting them on their high standard of playing. Deportment judge, David Price was also very impressed, commenting on the high standards shown.

Following the competitor's marching contest down the town's High Street, due to the inclement weather they then performed at the Market Hall, where members of the audience were rewarded with a feast of entertainment with the performances of the march, hymn tune and entertainment pieces.

Massed band

At the end of the contest all the competing bands turned out for a massed bands performance of 'Slaidburn', conducted by Gary Davies.
The comperes for the day were David Evans and Helen Bennett who paid tribute to the hard working members of Newtown Silver Band.

They returned home with their coach full of silverware as they also took the 'Best March' and 'Best Hymn Tune' prizes, with their talented young cornet player Owain Iestyn deservedly taking the 'Best Soloist' award4BR

Results:
Adjudicators: Gary Davies (music), David Price (deportment)

1. Llanrug (Paul Hughes)
2. Menai Bridge Porthaethwy (Chris Williams)
3. Shrewsbury Brass (Steve Pritchard-Jones)
4. Holywell Band (Aled Williams)
5. Newtown Silver (Steve Edwards)
6. Seindorf Ieuenctid Deiniolen Youth (Osian Tomos)
7= Beaumaris LSW (Fred Evans)
7= North Powys Youth Training (Phil Pryce)
9. Newtown Training (Steve Edwards)

Deportment Prize (Open): Newtown Silver
Deportment Prize Youth/Training: Seindorf Ieuenctid Deiniolen Youth
Soloist Award: Owain Iestyn (cornet) — Llanrug
Best Bass Section: Menai Bridge Porthaethwy

Youngest Player on the day: Ella Foskett (Newtown Training) — aged 3
Best March: Llanrug
Best Hymn Tune: Llanrug

Highest Placed Youth Band: Deiniolen
Highest Placed Training Band: Beaumaris LSW
Runner-up Training Band: North Powys Youth Training