All welcome at Welsh Brass Band contests
THE Welsh League which is composed of all member bands of the South East Wales Brass Band Association and the West Wales Brass Band Association continues to thrive and the three band competitions that are held each year continue to be closely contested.
Although set up for the benefit of Welsh brass bands, English bands are welcome to compete and carry off prizes, but they are not included in the Welsh League tables.
The three contests usually take place in the S.E.W.B.B.A area in May at the Spring Festival, the second takes place in Pembrokeshire or Carmarthenshire at the West Wales Festival in September under the auspices of the W.W.B.B.A., with the third organised by the S.E.W.B.B.A. at the Autumn Festival in November.
There are five sections taking part, all based on musical standards with the 4th Section at entrance level, to the 3rd Section, 2nd Section, the 1st Section and the Championship Section, containing many players of a professional standard.
The Welsh League Champions for 2016 are:
Section 4: Cwmtawe (Wayne Pedrick).
Section 3: Newport Borough (Robin Hackett).
Section 2: Briton Ferry (Jeff Pearce). Section 1: Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter). Championship
Section: Champions were Llwydcoed (Christopher Turner) and Tylorstown (Gary Davies) who tied for first place.
Congratulations to Angela Westacott who in addition to playing in Tylorstown band was also awarded a trophy for being the best instrumentalist in the Championship Section.
In addition to this she conducted Rhondda Fach Youth to a Gold Certificate award.
Angela is pictured with the trophies.