*
banner

Lewis Merthyr head north to offer vocal help

The Lewis Merthyr Band will head north to the Welsh Regional Championship this weekend with an additional stop off to help one of the nation's most famous choirs...

Lewis
  Brass and Voice continues to be an important part of Welsh cultural and artistic life

Following a recent BBC Wales news article story that the famous Llangollen Male Choir was facing an uncertain future, the Lewis Merthyr Band contacted them to offer help with their revival plans.

Reached out

Conductor Craig Roberts told 4BR: "After reading of the choir's plight, we reached out and invited them to join us in concert. We have always embraced working successfully with choirs (above).

We were delighted when they accepted and we will now travel north to combine our appearance at the Welsh Regional Championships in Wrexham with a great concert the following day with them in Llangollen."

Following the report of the choir's situation, which has echoes of the problems faced by many bands in Wales, a new conductor and accompanist have joined.

It's vital we protect our musical heritage — vocal as well as brassCraig Roberts.

Vital

Craig added: "It's vital we protect our musical heritage — vocal as well as brass. We're delighted to join together on a weekend when there will be spotlight in North Wales on brass banding and help them in their efforts to rejuvenate an essential part of community based artistic life.

Let's hope that a similar resurgence can be witnessed in parts of the banding movement in Wales, and if anyone in the Llangollen or surrounding area might be considering membership of the choir, we would wholeheartedly encourage them to do so."

The Llangollen Choir was formed by six local men in 1981, and rose to perform at venues including the Royal Albert Hall.

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 review

4BR Review podcast — National Final retrospective

October 14 • Join the live podcast on Wednesday evening to look back at a memorable Albert Hall contest.


National Band of New Zealand

New Zealand names 2026 brass band All Blacks

October 14 • The players who will represent the nation as their National Band have been announced.


Coleridge

Besses help mark Coleridge-Taylor anniversary

October 14 • Besses o' th' Barn Band has helped to provide a timely celebration of the life and music of the pioneering composer black composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.


BrookWright Music

BrookWright Music: Christmas for Two

October 14 • Christmas for Two — 70 Traditional Christmas Songs & Carols for two alike instruments


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You will love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Current 3rd Section National Champions and pending promotion to 2ND SECTION. We require the services of a competent PRINCIPAL CORNET PLAYER. Great opportunity for someone to show their skills and leadership qualities! Enjoyable events and socials!. Contact


Stretford Band

October 11 • Stretford Band (Manchester) has a terrific new MD. Now it needs you! We need bass, trombone and percussion but will welcome anyone who wants to play popular music without the stress of competing. Any ability any age.. Hope to see you soon.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd