*
banner

Real Olympian set to perform in Swansea

A real Olympic athlete will be performing in Wales this weekend with Pontypool.

Pontypool
 

Pontypool Brass will be facing the challenge of Philip Harper’s ‘Olympus’ this weekend with the help of a real life Olympian.

Multi-talented Venissa Head, one of Welsh athletics finest international competitors, will be playing Bb tuba in the band’s quest for victory at the Brangwyn Hall.

Olympic Games

Venissa competed in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, achieving an impressive 6th place in the shot putt and 7th in the discus event, amazing achievements given the level of competition from the former Soviet Union and Eastern European countries that were taking part.

Commonwealth Games

She went on to claim a silver medal in the discus in the 1986 Commonwealth Games.

Venissa‘s niece, Cerys, is also a member of the bass section, (which is three quarters female!) and her twin sister, Viv, plays for the band too.

Venissa competed in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, achieving an impressive 6th place in the shot putt and 7th in the discus event4BR

First appearance

This year marks the band’s first appearance at the Championships since being rescued from folding little over a year ago by Owen Farr, Cory’s star horn player, who started his playing career with the band and still lives in the town.

Under his command they have gone from strength to strength returninbg local Welsh League competition with a stunning 2nd place and a ‘Best Horn Section’ prize at the Blaenavon contest late last year.

Nerves of steel

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It will be the first time that many of the band will perform at the Brangwyn Hall, as a good proportion are under 18 and are playing with a contesting band for the first time."

They added: "Although ‘Olympus’ features a chariot race, rather than more modern day sports, the band will be hoping to share Venissa’s nerves of steel and Olympic pedigree as they take to the stage in hope of a podium finish!"

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    


Manager Musikklag

World Rankings — April update

April 26 • There has been significant movement in the latest rankings release, driven by a large number of contests over the last few months resulting in notable shifts and changes in the standings


Fodens

Foden's to preview Euro challenge

April 26 • England's representatives in Stavanger will be giving their supporters a preview of their musical challenge.


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd