*
banner

Welsh Open looking for entrants

The popular seaside entertainment contest looks to offer bands a great way to kick start their 2020 season

wELSH oPEN
  The Welsh Open has been a popular fixture in the contest calendar since 1998.

The contest schedules and entry forms for 2020 Welsh Open Championship are now available for bands wishing to take part in this popular entertainment event.

First held in 1998, the contest has become the traditional season opener for Welsh banding, although the contest itself is now open to bands from all over the UK.

Successful contest day

With a generous prize fund, excellent organisation and a packed audience at the Pavillion Theatre in Porthcawl, it promises to be another highly successful contest day on Saturday 15th February.

The contest is open to all nationally graded Championship and First Section bands, with a first prize of £1,000 up for grabs alongside the magnificent CISWO Challenge Trophy and a wonderful opportunity for a band to secure a Senior Trophy invite to the Spring Festival — just three steps away from competing at the most prestigious brass band contest in the world.

The contest is open to all nationally graded Championship and First Section bands, with a first prize of £1,000 up for grabs alongside the magnificent CISWO Challenge Trophy4BR

British Open link

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are very grateful to Martin and Karyn Mortimer for allowing our contest to continue to be part of the qualification ladder, which shows that the British Open continues to reach out to ambitious bands."

The defending champion is Filton Concert, who successfully defended the title last year under the baton of Tom Davoren to make it three wins in four years.

Find out more

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

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd