*
banner

Bands open first weekend of Welsh National Eisteddfod

The televised brass band contests will feature on the opening weekend in Pontypridd — including a brand new youth event with a European prize.

eISEDFFD
  The event is being held in Pontypridd this year

The National Eisteddfod of Wales will take place in Pontypridd this year from the 3rd-10th August.

The brass band competitions will be broadcast on the S4C television channel as well as its 'Clic' highlights service. The adjudicator is David Hayward. They take place on the first weekend of Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August.

Competitions

The joint Championship/First Section (Sunday 4th August) will see bands compete with their 20-minute programmes for the £750 first prize as well as the Flintshire Territorial Army Cup. There are podium prizes of £500 and £300.

The joint Second/Third Section (Saturday 3rd August) sees bands provide a 15-minute programme in their bid to claim the Ivor Jarvis Trophy and £500 first prize. There are podium prizes of £300 and £200.

There is also a separate Fourth Section (Saturday 3rd August) with the same programme and prize details.

In addition to the first prize of £500, the winning band will be invited to represent Wales at the 2024 European Youth Championships in Stavanger4BR

Youth Contest

In addition, there will be a new Youth Competition (Sunday 4th August), which will see bands of up to 50 players provide 15-minute programmes. Competing players should all 21 or under on 1st January 2024.

In addition to the first prize of £500, the winning band will be invited to represent Wales at the 2025 European Youth Championships in Stavanger.

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    


bbw

Brass Band World: May issue out now

May 16 • The latest issue of the magazine is now out — packed with a comprehensive look at the banding world.


Imogen Whitehead

Whitehead to premiere new flugel concerto

May 16 • Imogen Whitehead will give the world premiere of a new flugel horn concerto by Gabriel Jackson as part of her residency at the Ryedale Festival this year.


Band Supplies

Brilliant finance deals from Band Supplies

May 16 • If its a Sterling euphonium or a Smith Watkins cornet you are looking for this Summer then make sure you get in touch with Band Supplies.


Plumridge

Plumridge to become new principal cornet at Grimethorpe

May 15 • Hannah Plumridge is to become the new principal cornet of Grimethorpe Colliery Band as she ends a decade with Cory on a personal high.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Cambrian Brass

May 16 • We're always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining a friendly and supportive band, whether you're returning to banding or looking for a new challenge.


Delph Band

May 15 • We are seeking an enthusiastic and musically skilled Associate Conductor to lead and develop our band alongside our current Musical Director Phil Goodwin. . Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Tintwistle Band

May 15 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled!. We rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle, under the baton of our superb MD, Jim Henson.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd