*
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    


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB Children's Band in concert tonight

September 11 • The NYBBGB Children's Band Summer Concert 2026 premieres free on YouTube this evening — so why not sit back and enjoy a great display of youthful excellence.


Kevin

Camborne reunite with Mackenzie

September 11 • Kevin Mackenzie returns to Camborne as Musical Director.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Chinnor Silver

September 8 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (14th) at 11am in our bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities who wish to join us in a relaxed friendly rehearsal.. It also involves tea and cake and its free to all..


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd