*
banner

60th anniversary celebrations in hand for Greater Gwent Youth

2020 sees the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Greater Gwent Youth Band — with a great concert and dinner planned to say Happy Birthday...

gWENT
  The band has enjoyed success at home and abroad — including the European Youth Championships in Lille in 2016

The Greater Gwent Youth Band will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2020, and will be looking to link up with as many former conductors, players and supporters to help celebrate the landmark achievement.

Pioneers

The original band was one of the pioneers of local authority youth brass banding, establishing for itself a reputation for excellence based on well funded peripatetic music services, first in Monmouthshire and then following local government reorganisation in 1974, in Gwent and subsequently the Greater Gwent area.

Past members include the likes of Robert and Nicholas Childs, Nigel Weeks and Alun F Williams, who later became the Head of Peripatetic services in the authority.

The organisation commissioned a number of new works and was directed by many leading conductors, whilst countless players who passed through its ranks have gone on to enjoy a lifetime of brass band playing.

The original band was one of the pioneers of local authority youth brass banding, establishing for itself a reputation for excellence based on well funded peripatetic music services4BR

Concert and dinner

A celebration concert is now being organised featuring the current members of the Greater Gwent Youth Band with guest soloist Dr. Robert Childs, whilst a special black tie 3-course anniversary dinner open to all members past or present, friends, family and supporters is being arranged.

The concert will be held at Rougemont School on Saturday 4th January followed by the dinner.

More information

Please visit https://www.gwentmusic.co.uk/gwent-youth-brass-band/60-years/ for further information.

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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Chinnor Silver

October 12 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join and enhance our top line.. We are a 1st Section band with a good mix of concerts and contests planned,including a trip to Belgium next year.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd