*
banner

Cross border battle lines drawn for Welsh Open title

13 bands will compete for the Welsh Open title in Newport next weekend — with the draw made for the action.

Welsh open
  There is plenty of silverware up for grabs at the contest.

Thirteen bands will line-up at the Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre in Newport on Sunday 20th February for the 24th Welsh Open Contest.

Organised under the auspices of the South Wales Miners Eisteddfod, it sees a return for the popular event which traditionally marks the start of the domestic contesting season in Wales.

British Open link

The highest placed band not already taking part in the British Open Spring Festival series will qualify for entry to the Senior Trophy in May.

Covid-19 meant the cancellation of the 2021 event, whilst Fitlon Concert Brass who won the title in 2018, 2019 and 2020 has unfortunately withdrawn.

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

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

4BR will be providing live comments coverage and images.

Draw:


1. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
2. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)
3. Forest of Dean Brass (Thomas Dunne)
4. City of Cardiff (M1) (Christopher Bond)
5. A W Parker (Drybrook) (Joshua Ruck)
6. Markham & District (Jayne Thomas)
7. SW Comms (Stephen Sykes)
8. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts)
9. Filton Concert Brass (Withdrawn)
10. Brunel Brass (Daniel Hall)
11. Parc & Dare (Dewi Griffiths)
12. BTM Band (Jeff Hutcherson)
13. Tongwynlais Temperance (Carl Saunders)
14. Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins)

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    


Review

4BR Review — Episode 11

November 23 • Catch up with the latest 4BR Review with 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas


Swiss Nationals

Swiss set to celebrate 50th contest anniversary

November 23 • The Swiss National Championships will reach a significant milestone this year in Lucerne with new works set to test the 60 competing bands.


sewbba

Results: 2025 SEWBBA Tonyrefail Festival

November 23 • There was a welcome return of contesting action in South Wales as bands took to the stage in Tonyrefail.


Perth

Result: 2025 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge

November 22 • Unite Scotland Kinneil claims victory in Perth.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Fulham Brass Band

November 23 • We're looking for two top-class cornet players and percussionists to complete our band!


Epping Forest Band

November 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


wantage silver band

November 23 • Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd