*
banner

Chitty, Chitty Band, Bang

The Ystradgynlais Band has been entertaining their local supporters with a little bit of film star help...

Ystradgynlais
  The car was made by tuba player 'Caractacus' Hughes

The Ystradgynlais Band has been busy over the summer entertaining their local community with a number of events and appearances.

Their latest saw them link up Blodau, a volunteer organisation that helps keep the town's flower beds and hanging baskets in pristine order.

Elvis to Bomburst

As part of 'Tea & Tunes', the band played throughout the afternoon with a wide-ranging selection of music — from something traditional to Elvis Presley and Herb Alpert and The Police.

They were also joined by the brilliant Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang car made by the band's own tuba playing Caractacus Potts, David Hughes.

He constructed the prop car for a recent Neath College musical production and understandably was a great hit with younger listeners (and plenty of people who enjoyed the original film) on the day.

Wonderful day

A bands spokesperson told 4BR: "This was a wonderful day for the band and for the local community. We were delighted to play our part — and even more so as the baddies form the film Baron Bomburst and the Child Catcher were nowhere to be seen!

We are now looking forward to our next local event as part of the Ystradgynlais Food Festival on 10th August before taking our well-earned summer break."

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    


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Black Dyke Band

Tributes to Hammonds duo at Black Dyke

October 2 • The Black Dyke Band has paid tribute to Jon and Tim Hammond as they prepare to take their final contest bow with the Queensbury Band this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - BoneVoyage Trombone Quartet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Foden's Band

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Nobody Does It Better - The Music of James Bond.

Saturday 3 October • St Andrew's Church, Church Street, Rugby CV21 3PT


Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 4 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Ashington Colliery Band

September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd