There was an encouraging sense of brass band revivalism on show in Tonyrefail on the weekend as the South East Wales Brass Band Association (SEWBBA) held its Spring Festival.

Although there were only 11 entrants across the two combined sections, it was a positive return following the extended contesting break due to Covid-19.

It is now hoped that the investment made by the dedicated members of the SEWBBA with the support of Kapitol Promotions, Ev-entz Percussion, exhibitors and the local banding community can be built on to ensure the foundation of domestic Welsh banding can be maintained in future years.

Thanks

A spokesperson said: "Thank you to every band and bandsperson that competed at today's event. It was great to be back for the first Spring Festival since 2019. Each band gave a performance they should be proud of, and the range of pieces on show kept the audience entertained throughout."

They added: "Hopefully this is the start of 'local' Welsh contests getting back to pre-Covid levels of attendance, and positive days such as today will only help our brass band movement survive and thrive."

Ebbw return

In the combined 1st & 2nd Section, Ebbw Valley put behind them any disappointment from the recent Senior Trophy contest in Blackpool by giving a fine rendition of 'The Accursed Huntsman' to take both the overall title and the 'Best First Section Band' honours, aided by the 'Best Soprano' contribution of John Smith.

Reflecting on their win they stating on their Facebook page: "We're pleased to round off a fun couple of weeks with a win in Tonyrefail!

We've had a great day and are glad to see a return of the first local contest since 2019! Congratulations to John Smith for his best soprano award and Ffion Haf for her best instrumentalist award on flugel."

Newport Borough was runner-up with their well delivered rendition of 'Rise of the Phoenix' by Darrol Barry. Ebbw Valley's flugel player Fion Williams, who also played with Newport as a guest player secured the 'Best Instrumentalist' Award. Third place went to Mid Rhondda playing Edric Clundell's 'Blackfriars'.

RAF flourish

There was a wonderful final contest flourish to celebrate from RAF St Athan Voluntary Band conducted by Alan Bourne in the combined Section 3 & 4 contest.

With the local RAF base in the village closing this year, the band will also close its doors for a final time. Formed in 1938 they have proudly represented the RAF, doing up to 80 different types of engagements each year, and for the past 30 years and more have been led by Alan.

Having performed at the Welsh Regional Championships in Swansea in March they rounded off their domestic tour of musical duty in fine style with their winning rendition of 'Laudate Dominum' by Edward Gregson. Their outstanding principal cornet player Claire Bourne deservedly claimed the 'Best Instrumentalist' award.

Runner-up and winner of the 'Best Fourth Section Band' was Severn Tunnel who performed 'Neverland', helped by the contribution of their 'Best Euphonium' player John Ayres. Third place went to Ynyshir playing 'Dimensions' by Peter Graham.

The SEWBBA Autumn Festival is scheduled to take place at Stanwell School, Penarth on Saturday 18th November.

Hopefully this is the start of 'local' Welsh contests getting back to pre-Covid levels of attendance, and positive days such as today will only help our brass band movement survive and thriveSEWBBA

Results:
Combined Sections 1 & 2:

Adjudicator: Dr Robert Childs

1. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)
2. Newport Borough (Robin Hackett)
3. Mid Rhondda (Alan Gibbs)
4. Abertillery Town (Alun F Williams)
5. Markham & District (Jayne Thomas)

Best Instrumentalist: Fion Williams (flugel) (playing with Newport Borough)
Best Soprano Cornet: John Smith (Ebbw Valley)
Best Section 1 Band: Ebbw Valley Brass
Best Section 2 Band: Newport Borough

Combined Sections 3 & 4:

Adjudicator: Dr Robert Childs

1. RAF St Athan Voluntary (Alan Bourne)
2. Severn Tunnel (David Ferris)
3. Ynyshir (Dean Evans)
4. Ogmore Valley Silver (Danny Stone)
5. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M2 (John Murray)
6. Oakdale Silver (Kerry Bowden)

Best Instrumentalist: Claire Bourne (RAF St Athan Voluntary)
Best Euphonium: John Ayres (Severn Tunnel)
Best Section 3 Band: RAF St Athan Voluntary
Best Section 4 Band: Severn Tunnel