*
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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd