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cancellation of the 2021 event, whilst Fitlon Concert Brass who won the title in 2018, 2019 and 2020 has unfortunately withdrawn.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 Filton Concert Brass (Withdrawn)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


4BR Review

4BR Review — A look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more

January 28 • Join Iwan and Chris on Thursday evening for a look back at the RNCM Festival as well as looking forward to the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen and more...


Simone Rebello

4BR interview with Simone Rebello

January 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Simone Rebello to find out more about the forthcoming RNCM Day of Percussion.


Ulf Rosenberg

4BR interview with EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg

January 28 • 4BR speaks to the EBBA President after the announcement that the 2028 European Championships will not take place in England.


rps aWARDS

Shepherd Group join Moore on RPS shortlist

January 28 • The Shepherd Group and conductor Sean Chandler have nominated for the RPS 'Inspiration Award' — and the banding movement can help them win it with their votes.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band are recruiting a Musical Director. We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd