Welsh banding will be provided with a high profile boost in the New Year following the news that S4C, the national television channel in the Principality will be making an hour long documentary on the South Wales Miners Eisteddfod Contest.

Miners Eisteddfod

The competition was resurrected in 1998 through the support of the Miners Welfare Organisation (CISWO) and Porthcawl Council to provide a popular entertainment contest that now attracts bands from both sides of the River Severn.

Great news

Organiser Rob Gowing is delighted with the news, as he told 4BR: "This is another great boost to the contest. The event provides bands with an early opportunity to show their form each year and has grown in popularity.

Next year sees the 14th time we have run the contest at the historic Miners Pavilion in Porthcawl, and with a great line up of bands, good prize money and now the promise of extensive television coverage it shouldn’t be missed."

This is another great boost to the contest. The event provides bands with an early opportunity to show their form each year and has grown in popularityRob Gowing

Paul Robeson

It is understood that the programme will concentrate on the history of the Miners Eisteddfod, and the cultural links it has provided to the rest of the world – including the famous occasion when American singer Paul Robeson came to Wales to sing for the Miners following their support of him during his internal exile during the McCarthy hearings – all intertwined with coverage of the 2011 event.

Current line up

The current confirmed line up of competing bands is headed by British Open Champion and reigning champion Tredegar, who will be joined by BTM, Tongwynlais Temperance, Tylorstown, Burry Port, Abergavenny, Markham & District, Pontardulais, Lydbrook, Staines and Bournemouth Concert.

The contest will be open adjudication with Derek Broadbent making a welcome return visit to the Principality to decide where the £1,000 top prize and the magnificent CISWO Challenge Cup will head for 2011.

Remaining places

Rob Gowing though is still hoping that he can fill the remaining three places on offer to make it a 15 band field. "We can accommodate 15 bands on the day to play their 20 minute entertainment programmes, so if any band is interested, they should get in contact immediately."

Please contact Rob Gowing on: robjgowing@aol.com