The Welsh television broadcaster S4C has tonight (Friday 15th December) unveiled the identity of the 12 wind, brass and jazz bands that will compete in the semi-finals of the 2018 Band Cymru title, leading to the opportunity to win a potential first prize of £10,000.

In addition, the announcement was also made of the four ensembles that will compete for the under 18, Band Ieuenctid Cymru S4C 2018 title.

Semi-finals and final

The two finals of the competition will be held at The Great Hall, Swansea University on the weekend of the 21st/22nd April and will be broadcast on S4C.

However, before that, the senior contenders will travel to the Arts Centre, Aberystwyth on the weekend of the 17th/18th February to try and secure a place in the final. The 2016 Champion, Tredegar was not eligible to compete.

Contenders

The bands and ensembles who will compete there have been revealed as: Burry Port Town, Brass Beaumaris, BTM, Cardiff University Jazz Society, City of Cardiff (Melingriffith), Cory, Northop Silver, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Royal Welsh College College Big Band, Tongwynlais Temperance, Tylorstown and 3D Brass.

The four youth bands who will perform in the final of Band Ieuenctid 2018 are: Band Jazz Tryfan, Cardiff and Vale Music Service Jazz Orchestra, Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band and Torfaen Youth Big Band

The semi-finals will be filmed by the production company and competition organisers Rondo Media and broadcast on S4C in March and April.

Strength to strength

S4C's Content Commissioner, Entertainment, Elen Rhys told 4BR: "We're delighted that such a wide variety of bands from across Wales have competed for a place in the final.

This is the third time that we have held the competition and it goes from strength to strength. Good luck to all the competitors."

The bands were chosen by an international panel of expert adjudicators under the supervision of the Rondo Media production company.

High standard

Series producer Gwawr Owen told 4BR: "As the producers of the competition, we are delighted that so many bands have competed and reached such a high standard.

This is the only competition where brass, wind and jazz bands compete against each other and the range of bands that have been selected to go on to the semi-final rounds should ensure an unforgettable weekend of music in Aberystwyth in February and later on S4C."

We're delighted that such a wide variety of bands from across Wales have competed for a place in the final S4C Content Commissioner, Entertainment, Elen Rhys

Semi-final dates

The four semi-final rounds at the Arts Centre, Aberystwyth will be held as follows:.

Saturday 17th February (2.30pm)
Saturday 17th February (8.00pm)
Sunday 18th February (2.30pm)
Sunday 18th February (8.00pm)

Tickets

Free tickets will be available from 10.00am on Monday 15th January 2018.

Please call 029 2022 3456 or e-mail bandcymru@rondomedia.co.uk