*
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cancellation of the 2021 event, whilst Fitlon Concert Brass who won the title in 2018, 2019 and 2020 has unfortunately withdrawn.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 Filton Concert Brass (Withdrawn)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    


Sparke

All preview roads lead to the Albert Hall...

September 28 • You can hear how the competing bands are getting on with their final preparations on Philip Sparke's work ahead of the National Final at the Royal Hall this weekend.


Hobury Victoria

Results: 2026 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Horbury hit double top to defeat Championship and First Section rivals in Chorley as Golborne, Blackpool Brass and Driffield Silver also secure section victories.


Blidworth

Result: 2026 NEMBBA Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Blidworth Welfare takes the entertainment honours in Darley Dale.


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Fife Charities Contest

September 27 • Bathgate claims the honours in Kirkcaldy to head on a journey to the Spring Festival.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 28 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join our ambitious friendly 1st section band.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom.. Good mix of concerts and contests and an overseas trip planned.. .


Chinnor Silver

September 28 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join our ambitious friendly 1st section band.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom.. Good mix of concerts and contests and an overseas trip planned.. .


East London Brass

September 24 • Percussion - East London Brass are seeking an enthusiastic percussionist to join our friendly, ambitious band. Great music, regular rehearsals and a welcoming atmosphere. Interested? Get in touch for more details!


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd