*
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    


Regional Championships

2027 regional championship dates confirmed

October 31 • There will be eight contests over four weekends as bands look to book their places for London and York.


Amboise

Dutch champion aims for Amboise and French title

October 31 • Brass Band Schoonhoven will look to add the French Open title to its CV as they head to Amboise next May.


Jon Daw

50 years of service celebrated for Daw

October 31 • The well known tuba player Jon Daw has notched up 50 years of Gloucester banding dedication.


Wychavon

Full day of entertainment at Wychavon

October 30 • If you are looking to enjoy a full day of brass band entertainment then pop into Evesham from 10.00am onwards and you won't be disappointed.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 30 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The KNDS Fairey Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Olney Brass

October 27 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for: - CORNETS (Front & Back Row) - SOLO HORN - Eb BASS Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd