*
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    


NYBBWales

Welsh youth set for trio of Harper led performances

May 21 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales and Philip Harper can be heard in Bangor, St David's and Newport in August.


4BR Reviw

4BR Review — Episode 18

May 21 • Enjoy the latest debate about the banding world as Edward Gregson and Paul Hindmarsh air their opinions on banding's artistic vision.


Willebroek

Willebroek to show case major talents in Birmingham

May 21 • A trio major compositions will be showcased by the current World and Belgian champions at the Elgar International Festival of Brass.


Dutch Open

Big bands and brass bands to provide entertainment at Dutch Open

May 21 • There will be plenty of great entertainment on offer on stage at the Dutch Open next month.


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


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a Bb and Eb Bass player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for SOLO CORNET players (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Regent Brass

May 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek a Bb Bass to join our friendly, musically ambitious Central London band. We enjoy a varied and balanced schedule of concerts and contests, and regularly premiere new music.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd