The second Newtown (Mid Wales) March, Hymn & Open Air contest was held on the weekend and proved to be another great success.

Sun shining

The sun certainly shone down on everyone involved, with the bands playing to a large and appreciative audience assembled along the march route through the town’s main commercial area and into the local Town Hall Park, where an even larger crowd was assembled to hear their performances.

Deportment Judge, WO1 Terry Young from Cardiff, gave his verdict on each of the participating bands with some very helpful comments, with the music adjudication judged by Steve Pritchard-Jones, who praised the standard of all the competing bands.

Holywell triumph

At the end of an enjoyable day it was the North Wales visitors from Holywell that claimed the £300 first prize as well as the £70 deportment prize ahead of home town favourites Newtown (£200), with their kit player winning the Terry Phillips Memorial soloist prize.

The talented young players of Beaumaris Youth Band (£100) were third, adding another £50 to their funds by winning the youth deportment prize.

Local turn out

It was also encouraging to see an excellent turn out by local non registered and youth bands, with Knighton Town, North Powys Youth and Newtown Training Bands picking up well deserved awards and cash prizes.

Whilst awaiting the results of the contest, the audience enjoyed music performed by Accidental Brass from the West Midlands.

Grateful

Spokepserson Helen Bennett told 4BR: "On behalf of Newtown Silver Band we are very grateful to everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the day with special thanks to Newtown Carnival Trust for all their help and support and to Newtown Town Council who were the main sponsors."

we are very grateful to everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the day with special thanks to Newtown Carnival Trust for all their help and support and to Newtown Town Council who were the main sponsorsHelen Bennett

Results:

1. Holywell
2. Newtown Silver
3. Beaumaris Youth

Deportment: Holywell
Deportment (Youth): Beaumaris Youth
Soloist Award: Newton (Kit percussion)

Highest placed Non Registered Band not in main prizes: Knighton Town
Highest placed Youth Band not in main prizes: North Powys Youth
Highest Placed Training Band not in main prizes: Newtown Training
Runner Up Training Band: Llanrug Training