*
banner

Welsh Open adds Spring Festival link to Porthcawl attractions

There will be plenty of prizes up for grabs at the Welsh Open next February — including a chance to qualify for the British Open Spring Festival

Welsh Open
  There are plenty of added prize attractions at the Welsh Open in 2018.

The 2018 contesting season in Wales will kick off on Saturday 17th February with a cross border battle at the Welsh Open Entertainment Contest in Porthcawl.

The contest at the seaside town's famous Grand Pavilion has grown in popularity since its inception in 1998, and attracts a packed audience who enjoy the competition between bands from both sides of the River Severn.

Spring Festival

With a top prize of £1,000, a host of other awards, including the magnificent CISWO Challenge Trophy and an invitation to the British Open Spring Festival to their highest placed qualifying band, there is sure to be plenty to play for.

The field is already filling up with a number of Welsh bands locking horns with contenders from London & Southern Counties, the Midlands and West of England.

The field is already filling up with a number of Welsh bands locking horns with contenders from London & Southern Counties, the Midlands and West of England4BR

Entries

The contest is open to all nationally graded Championship and First Section bands, with the defending champion Tongwynlais Temperance out to reclaim the trophy following its 2017 success.

Schedules and entry forms are now available from contest organiser, Dean Evans at: contestcontroller.welshopen@gmail.com

The closing date for entries Saturday 6th January.

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    


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


Big Chat Brass

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

February 25 • Simon and Sandy take the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming Regional Championships with tips and opinions on the five test-pieces to be used.


Radio

Radio: Bandstand

February 25 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia.


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd