Ebbw Valley Brass added one of the few remaining major pieces of Welsh silverware not to have found a home in their trophy cabinet over the past decade as they claimed the joint Championship & First Section title at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Pontypridd.

Led by MD Gareth Ritter they lifted the Flintshire Territorial Army Cup and £750 first prize ahead of runner-up Tylorstown, with Parc & Dare in third.

The Blaenau Gwent band's 20-minute set included 'Activate' followed by 'Longest Time', 'A Little Star Went Out' with soloist Ffion Haf, 'Castell Caerfilli', 'Ar Lan Y Mor' and 'I Want to Break Free' to close.

Rich praise

It was an impressive performance that brought rich praise from adjudicator David Hayward in his written remarks as well as fulsome thanks from the MD to his players.

"This was one major Welsh trophy we have always wanted to win," Gareth said. "It's a competition with such a rich history and as it's televised it gives us the rare opportunity to showcase what we can do across the world."

He added: "My thanks go to the players as it does come during the summer holidays, with a special mention to our featured soloists Ffion Haf and our new solo trombone Phil Dewhurst.

It's also a great boost following our second successive Welsh Open win earlier this year and our upcoming debut at the Royal Albert Hall National Finals. I've given the band a little bit of time off, but them its back to work."

Podium battle

In what was an enjoyable battle between four Welsh bands and welcome visitors City of Bristol, it was Tylorstown that claimed second place.

Robert Westacott's rapidly improving ensemble provided a contrasting set — from 'Opening Night' to the horn solo 'I Dreamed a Dream', through to 'Scherzo for X Wings' to claim the £350 honours as runner-up.

The final podium spot went to Parc & Dare with a compact set of 'Fire and Flame' to open and led though the euphonium solo 'Agor Dy Lygaid' to 'Fuga y Misterio' to 'Elegy for the Arctic'.

Impressive Newport

An impressive Newport Borough Band secured the joint Second & Third Section honours, as Robin Hackett led his band to the £500 first prize.

Their programme saw them open with 'Olympic Fanfare' before heading into 'Baggy Trousers', the cornet solo 'First Light' and 'Legends of Cyfarthfa'.

The podium places went to Ammanford (Glyn Rhys Davies) with a contrasting set that opened with 'Amazonia' from 'Windows of the World' through to cornet solo 'Pater Noster', whilst third went to Markham & District (Gary Davies) that opened with 'Dragon's Rise' as well as the flugel solo 'My Dream'.

Porthaethwy Meani Bridge was the sole entrant in the Fourth Section (although they also took the opportunity to play the joint Second & Third Section).

Youth representatives

The South Wales Youth Brass Band will be nominated as the Welsh representative in the Championship Section of the 2025 European Youth Championships in Stavanger after they claimed the Youth Section title.

A super 15-minute set under conductor Carol Flannery Davies opened with the rousing sounds of 'Castell Coch' before the euphonium and baritone duet 'Calon Lan' led into an upbeat 'Celtic Cocktail' and the closing 'Sospan Fach'.

The win also saw their fund raising efforts gain an immediate £500 boost as they took home the Ivor James Trophy as they look to return to the European contest after representing Wales in Birmingham in 2023.

It is also hoped that runner-up Beaumaris Youth Band, who represented the nation in Palanga last year will be able to join them in Norway after they produced a fine account of themselves under MD Chris Williams.

Their young stars produced a rousing set that opened with 'Men of Harlech', the euphonium and cornet duet 'Novello' and 'Starburst'.

It's a competition with such a rich history and as it's televised it gives us the rare opportunity to showcase what we can do across the worldGareth Ritter, MD, Ebbw Valley Brass

Results:
Championship/First Section:

Adjudicator: David Hayward

1. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)
2. Tylorstown (Robert Westacott)
3. Parc & Dare (Dewi Griffiths)
4. City of Bristol (Craig Roberts)
5. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts)

Second/Third Section:

Adjudicator: David Hayward

1. Newport Borough (Robin Hackett)
2. Ammanford (Glyn Rhys Davies)
3. Markham & District (Gary Davies)
4. Cross Keys (Sion Rhys Jones)
5. Menai Bridge (Peter Cowlishaw)
6. Abertillery & District (Stephen Sykes)
7= Crwbin (Alex McGee)
7= City of Cardiff (M2) (John Murray)

Fourth Section:

Adjudicator: David Hayward

1. Menai Bridge (Peter Cowlishaw)

Youth Section:

Adjudicator: David Hayward

1. South Wales Youth Band (Carol Flannery Davies)
2. Beaumaris Youth Band (Peter Cowlishaw)