*
banner

Welsh contest boost as season opener heads to Newport

The popular Welsh Open Entertainment Championship returns in 2022 at a new venue in Newport and the attraction of a trip to Blackpool.

Newport
  The contest will be held at the Riverfront Theatre in Newport

The domestic contesting movement in Wales has been given a timely boost with the news that the popular Welsh Open Entertainment Championship is to return in 2022.

Traditionally seen as the opening event of the contest calendar it will return following the Covid-19 break for a 24th time at its new venue of the Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre in Newport on Sunday 20th February.

Spring Festival

The contest attracts Championship and First Section competitors from both sides of the River Severn, and with the highest placed qualifying band also gaining an invitation to compete in the British Open Spring Festival Senior Trophy contest in May it is hoped it will attract another strong field of contenders.

In addition the first prize of £1,000 offers an excellent opportunity for an early boost to the bank account, whilst the magnificent CISWO Challenge Trophy is just one of the many pieces of impressive prize-winning silverware on offer.

Entry packs for 2022 Welsh Open Entertainment Championship will be available from Monday 15th November 2021.

However, numbers are restricted for 2022 to the first 12 bands to enter, a reserve list will be in place for bands that enter after that.

Ideal opportunity

Contest Controller Dean Evans told 4BR: "We are very grateful to Martin and Karyn Mortimer for allowing our contest to continue to be part of the qualification ladder for the British Open Championships.

It offers an ideal opportunity for ambitious bands to take the first step to a potential appearance at Symphony Hall in future years."

Entry packs and more information:

For further information or to request an entry pack, please contact the 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    


RWCMD

Royal Welsh College defends claims that culture hasn't changed

October 18 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama has refuted claims that its culture hasn't changed three years after it was found negligent in a case of alleged sexual assault.


McDonnell

McDonnell highlights risks of losing BBE gold standard BOPA

October 17 • Labour MP John McDonnell has written of the need for the Department of Education to reconsider its decision to end Brass Bands England BOPA provision in April next year.


nATIONAL yOUTH cHAMPS

New opportunities and roles to play at Youth Championships

October 17 • From volunteer helpers to photographers, presenters and judges — Brass Bands England puts the call to be part of the 2027 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.


Espen Westbye

Westbye returns to take up residency in Stavanger

October 17 • Espen Westbye will join forces with David Morton at Stavanger as he returns as Resident Conductor ahead of Siddis challenge.


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


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Chinnor Silver

October 18 • Being the top band at the recent Oxford Entertainment Contest does not stop us looking for improvement.we need an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to help keep this friendly 1st Section band moving forward.. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays . Trip to Belgium in 2027


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Front Row Cornet player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb Bass player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd