Bands to battle it out for £1,000 top prize at Open
THE Twenty-Fifth Welsh Open Brass Band Entertainment Championship, organised under the auspices of the South Wales Miners’ Eisteddfod, will take place at the Riverfront Theatre, Newport on Saturday, February 18 at 11am.
This Open Contest is open to all bands of Championship and First Section standard and this year 14 bands from England and Wales will be competing for the CISWO Challenge Trophy and the 1st Prize of £1,000!
The current Welsh Open Brass Band Entertainment Champion is Pontardulais Town Band, who were conducted by Matthew Jenkins in 2022, but will be conducted in this year’s contest by brother, Paul Jenkins.
This year sees the Pontardulais Town Band back in the Championship Section after a number of years.
Pontardulais was founded in 1885 and prospered till 1919, when there was a considerable break until 1945. The band reformed and attended its first contest at Porthcawl in 1946.
The band has since enjoyed many successes in various sections over the years
Meanwhile, Abertillery Brass Band was recently back among its community at the Abertillery Rugby ground playing pre-match music at the game against Fairwater.
They used the occasion to congratulate one of their percussionists, Dr David Llewellyn, who has been recognised as one of 100 people who are making a positive difference to Wales.
Climate activists, public sector workers, influencers, schools and a Hollywood actor have been included on a list of 100 people who are changing the face of Wales.
David is the integrated Well-being Networks Lead, Aneuran Bevan University Health Board and he was one of the key people behind the original concept of a Valleys Regional Park back in 2009.
Moving on to next month, the Band of The Prince of Wales will celebrate
St David’s Day on Friday, March 3, at Theatr Brychieniog at 7.30pm. Also appearing will be St Nicholas House (Christ College) Choir and Aberhonddu and District Male Choir.
Tickets are free and early application is advised.
Congratulations also to Lance Corporal Joshua Herman of the Band of The Prince of Wales, who has been awarded the Porter Performance Award. This award is based on outstanding and consistent musical performance.
LCpl Herman has consistently delivered an impeccable standard of musical performance across a variety of events as Principal Trombonist. This award is in recognition of his musical excellence.
Joshua will be appearing at the St David’s Day Concert.
Another concert to look forward to next month features the band Vintage Cory which was set up in 2007 by past members of the Cory Band, who were still playing and wanting to meet for a social re-union, rehearse and perhaps give a concert.
This year they will be working with a local charity Canolfan Pentre and all monies raised will go to this hard working and deserving charity.
Vintage Cory will play a concert at St Peter’s Church, Ton Pentre at 3pm on March 26 with Nigel Seaman conducting and Guest Soloist Tom Hutchinson.
Finally, Mid Rhondda Brass Band present a St David’s Day Concert on Wednesday, March 1, at 7.30pm at Tonyrefail Community School. Tickets cost £8 from 07507 239 630.
Also appearing are The Richard Williams Singers and The Gentlemen Songsters.