The BTM Band will celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year.

Formed in 1972, Bedwas, Trethomas & Machen has become one of the most successful brass band organisations in Wales; rising through the ranks to Championship Section status and becoming Champion Band of Wales as well as Welsh Regional Champions and Pontins title winners in the process.

Reputation

The current band performs in the First Section and claimed the Welsh Area title in 2020, whilst it has gained an acclaimed reputation for its long term development of young players.

The anniversary will be celebrated on Saturday 1st October with an afternoon Gala Concert Bedwas Workmen's Hall — the venue of their first ever rehearsal in 1972, and where the band continues to hold its annual Christmas Concert.

The concert will feature the current band performing significant works from BTM's history, with special featured guest soloist Tom Hutchinson of Cory Band.

It is also hoped that a BTM Reunion Band will come together to perform as well as the BTM Band: Next Generation

Gala dinner

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Following the concert we will host a special gala dinner where anyone with a connection to the band will be welcome and where we would like to be able to present memorabilia of the band's history and achievements."

For those interested in attending, please contact Carolyn Jones on btmbandsecretary@gmail.com