*
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    


Elgar Howarth

Howarth remembered

April 29 • The musical life and career of Elgar Howarth has been marked by a special programme on Radio 3.


Flowers

Media boost for Flowers after Linz triumph

April 29 • The Flowers Band are in media demand after being crowned European Champion — with a television spotlight tonight.


Saggers

Saggers writes for Portsmouth centenary celebration

April 29 • A new symphonic work for orchestra and 300 voices will help celebrate the centenary of Portsmouth's city status.


Enduring Faith

BrookWright Music: Enduring Faith (Andrew Wainwright)

April 29 • A work exploring hope, resilience, and conviction to add to any concert programme.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd