*
banner

Emotional farewell to Williams

A packed Llandaff Cathedral paid its respects and celebrated the life of the great Cory Band principal cornet player Ian Williams.

Ian Williams
  The funeral of Ian Williams saw Llandaff Cathedral packed with family, friends and colleagues.

Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff was the appropriate setting on Wednesday 21st March for the funeral of former Cory Band principal cornet player Ian Williams.

His wife Lisa and children Lauren and Daniel were joined by family, life-long friends and associates, work colleagues from the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service and representatives from numerous bands, who filled the huge nave to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a much loved husband and father, highly regarded work colleague and outstanding brass band musician, who died earlier this month aged just 52.

Distinction

The Cory Band, who he led as principal cornet with such distinction for two decades, played a selection of music as well as accompanying the hymns, 'How Great Thou Art' and 'Cwm Rhondda'.

On the request of the family the coffin arrived to 'Bring Him Home' and left to the rousing sounds of 'Enter the Galaxies'.

Heartfelt eulogies spoke of the warmth and humour of a man who reached the heights of both his professional and personal endeavours through his talent, dedication and his own impish sense of fun4BR

Eulogies

Heartfelt eulogies came from the family as well as the Head of the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, Hugh Jakeway and John Southcombe on behalf of Cory Band, both of whom spoke of the warmth and humour of a man who reached the heights of both his professional and personal endeavours through his talent, dedication and his own impish sense of fun.

The service was conducted by the Rev Michael John followed by interment at St David's Church Groesfaen and meeting of friends at Creigiau Golf Club.

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    


Riverside

Line-ups for North of England Area confirmed

February 26 • 42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and Cheltenham later in the year.


pODCAST

4BR Review — Episode 16

February 26 • Iwan and Chris looked forward to the 2026 Regional Championships — the issues, music and tips for victory, as well as provide their views on new CD releases, book, LPs, concerts and events to go to...


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd