*
banner

Llwydcoed celebrate in silver

The Llwydcoed Band will enter its 100th year laden with silverware.

Llwydcoed
 

The Llwydcoed Band, based at the top of the Cynon and Taff valleys of South Wales are celebrating a year of silver success after a season that saw them bag more silverware than a housebreaking Santa Claus.

Victories

The band returned to Second Section contesting at Coleford at the beginning of the year, claiming a fourth placed finish and ‘Best Soloist’ award along the way, before heading to Swansea where they confirmed their rise from the contesting dead, with a winning performance (and another ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award) of ‘Resurgam’ at the Welsh Area contest.

A victory at the Welsh League Ebbw Vale contest was followed by a runner up finish at the National Eisteddfod in North Wales.

Despite just missing out on a podium finish at the Nationals at Cheltenham, the band returned home to claim more trophies at the Burry Port and Blaenavon contests, where they were crowned overall Second Section Welsh League champions.

Best year ever

Supporter Colin Price told 4BR: "During the year the band has also been busy on the concert stage, in community projects and charity fundraising. To do all that and achieve so much has made it the best year the band has ever had. I can’t believe how it has all come together!"

With star players David Johnson and Iestyn Davies and MD Gary Davies, all picking up their fair share of individual honours throughout the year, the shelves in the band HQ — also known as the Red Cow Pub — will be feeling the strain when they will be displayed at their forthcoming Christmas party.

the shelves in the band HQ — also known as the Red Cow Pub — will be feeling the strain when they will be displayed at their forthcoming Christmas party4BR

Much more than expected

Chairman Kevin Johnsons added: "We started the year pretty nervous as we had seriously misfired the last time we got to the second section.

But this year has been much more than I ever expected. I’d like to thank all the members of the band, our conductors and our growing number of regular supporters for all their hard work during what has been a tremendous year."

Centenary year

The band which has known good as well as bad times is now preparing for its centenary year and laying the foundations for the future.

Kevin concluded: "The band will be in concert as part of the local pre-Christmas celebrations and are even prouder to be playing for the first time alongside our newly founded junior band. That really is the icing on the cake!"

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd