After several years in oblivion, the Abertillery Band is set for a return to the local contesting scene.

Return

On Saturday the band will travel to Burry Port to compete in the Fourth Section of the West Wales Brass Band Association contest.

Swelled

In the last year the band has swelled in numbers from just 6 loyal core members to a current membership of 23.

Several of the returning members were founder members of the band that have come out of retirement after many years away from the brass band scene. The band has also been successful in attracting a number of new young players from the local Blaenau Gwent Music School.

First appearance

The band will make its first contest performance since the Welsh area contest in 2003 under the baton of Dean Evans.

Dean is a former principal euphonium of the band, and recently conducted the Ynyshir Band in the Third Section of the Lower Section National Finals in Harrogate.