*
banner

Welsh Open attracts cross border rivals for entertainment battle

There is a great line-up of bands from both sides of Offa's Dyke that will lock horns for the 24th Welsh Open Entertainment Contest in Newport next month.

Welsh Open
  The Riverfront Theatre in Newport will host the event.

There is a timely boost to the Welsh banding scene with the news that with the nation reverting to the lowest level of Covid-19 restrictions, the 24th Welsh Open Contest has been given the green light go ahead as planned.

It is also hoped that the news will see a packed audience enjoy the entertainment provided by the competing bands at the Riverfront Theatre in Newport on Sunday 20th February. The defending champion is Filton Concert Brass.

Judge

The adjudicator is Dr Robert Childs with the separate entertainment prize in the hands of David Francis who writes the 'Brass Notes' column which is syndicated to numerous regional newspapers throughout Wales.

The compere is David Hayward and the action starts at 11.00, with a comfort break after band number 7.

Competing bands:


A W Parker (Drybrook) (Joshua Ruck)
BTM Band (Jeff Hutcherson)
Brunel Brass (Daniel Hall)
City of Cardiff (M1) (Christopher Bond)
Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)
Filton Concert Brass (TBC)
Forest of Dean Brass (Thomas Dunne)
Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts)
Markham & District (Jayne Thomas)
Parc & Dare (Dewi Griffiths)
Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins)
SW Comms (Stephen Sykes)
Tongwynlais Temperance (Carl Saunders)
Tylorstown (Gary Davies)

It is also hoped that the news will see a packed audience enjoy the entertainment provided by the competing bands at the Riverfront Theatre in Newport on Sunday 20th February4BR

Tickets and information

Spectator tickets can be purchased either in advance or on the day in person from:
Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre, Kingsway, Newport. NP20 1HG
Box Office 01633 656757

https://www.newportlive.co.uk/en/events/167c5c68-2772-ec11-80e5-00505601006a/
unreserved seating £9.00 + £1.00 booking fee

Spectators will need to read the venue guidance to ensure compliance.
Venue Covid Guidance:
https://www.newportlive.co.uk/index.php?cID=466

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    


Joey Wong

Wong takes baton at Blackley

August 15 • Joey Wong has become the new MD at Blackley Band.


Fiona Bishop

Bishop appointed at Knottingley

August 15 • Fiona Bishop becomes the new MD at Knottingley Silver Band.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

August 15 • A welcome return to the airwaves for Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


iNSTRUMENTS

Trump tariffs set to raise instrument prices in USA

August 13 • A new tariff proposal on imports, parts and accessories on brass and wind musical instruments draws criticism about national security issues.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


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


Waterbeach Brass

August 14 • Waterbeach Brass are a friendly and ambitious 2nd section band just north of Cambridge, looking for Tutti cornet, Eb bass and Tuned percussion to complete their lineup.. . Rehearsals on a Monday night- 7:45-10pm at Waterbeach Barracks.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 13 • 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, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Chinnor Silver

August 12 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on MONDAY (17th) in our bandroom at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities who want a friendly relaxed rehearsal with tea and cake.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band it’s just an extra blow.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd