*
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    


Andrew McMillan

Interview with Andrew McMillan

June 6 • In the first of a new short interview series, we speak to the Scottish tenor horn star Andrew McMillan following the release of his inventive new CD, 'Time Pieces'


Cory tour

Cory set to tour Canada and USA later this year

June 5 • The Welsh champion will embark on a major eight day tour to North America in October.


Foundations

Closing date looms for Future Leaders

June 5 • If you want your band to benefit from future leaders of confidence, skill and inspiration, then you need to get your application in soon.


York Early Music Festival

Fanfare welcomes at York Early Music Festival

June 5 • A brand new fanfare written by Yorkshire composer Sam Meredith will be played during the opening weekend by the German renaissance ensemble (hanse) Pfeyffery.


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Ascot Brass - Vanguard Quartet from "Royal Harmonics"

Saturday 6 June • St Michael and All Angels Church St Michaels Green, Grenfell Road Beaconsfield HP9 2BP


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

June 5 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) 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.


Glossop Old Band

June 5 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

June 4 • BACK ROW CORNET 2nd/3rd cornet. . NEMBBA contest entered for 15 November. LBBA contest entered for 22 November. . Concert schedule planned in advance. Planned breaks .


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd