A new national body representing Welsh banding interests has been formed following a groundbreaking meeting held in Cardiff on the weekend.

Agreement

Representatives of the three Welsh Brass Band Associations, members of representative bodies, contest organisers and leading figures in Welsh cultural organisations agreed to the formation of The Brass Band Forum Wales (Fforwm Bandiau Press Cymru), which will seek to secure a dynamic future for brass bands and brass band music in Wales.

Chairman

Newly appointed Chairman Iestyn Davies spoke of his desire for the National organisation to provide Wales with the foundation stone on which to build a vibrant banding future.

"It has been a remarkable achievement, made possible by the hard work and cooperation of people who want to see Wales have a body that represents excellence at all levels and in all spheres of brass band music making," he said.

"It will be a body that seeks co-operation and consensus, built on trust and transparency. There is a great deal of hard work ahead of us all, but I am sure we can build on what has already been achieved throughout the country."

It has been a remarkable achievement, made possible by the hard work and cooperation of people who want to see Wales have a body that represents excellence at all levels and in all spheres of brass band music makingIestyn Davies

Representatives

The initial structure will see seven individuals represent all geographical areas of Wales, incorporating all levels of banding – from youth to European level. It is envisaged that a high profile official launch will take place in early 2012 at the Senedd of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay.

One voice

Iestyn added: "We aim to speak with one voice for the benefit of the whole of Welsh banding. This is the first step on what I believe is a very exciting future.

The support and commitment shown at the meeting from all parties promises a sure foundation for the future of our art form. We now have to build on that foundation together.

We will begin by putting brass banding on the political and policy agenda and then move on to identify how to develop better links between bands and schools and to develop a new audience for banding."

Extend links

4BR understands that the new organisation will seek to extend links and co-operation with individual national bodies as well as working in consultation with contest organisers and representative bodies in the Principality.

4BR will be interviewing the new Chairman, Iestyn Davies to find out more about the new Forum, its structure, aims and objectives in the next few days.