Welsh champion Tongwynlais Band has welcomed the signing of trombone star Stephen Sykes ahead of this weekend’s National Finals appearance.

Great timing

Band Chairman Jason Bevan told 4BR: "Jo Hirst is taking part in the Acromis International Brass Festival in Cardiff over the same weekend, and following the completion of his degree and a move back home, it was great timing for us that Stephen became available after a successful period playing at Tredegar."

He added: "It’s fantastic for us to be able to welcome a player of Stephen’s standing to the band in time for the National Finals."

Delighted

Tongwynlais MD, Steve Sykes was also understandably delighted: "It’s wonderful that Stephen is to lead the trombone section at the Royal Albert Hall.

He’s such a class act and his performances with Tredegar are testament to this, after being awarded the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ prize with them on their ‘Open’ win in 2010 and his stunning playing on their repeat success at Symphony Hall last month."

I may be a bit biased, but I think he‘s the best in the business and we are delighted to have him with us!Tongwynlais MD, Steve Sykes

A bit biased!

He added: "I may be a bit biased, but I think he‘s the best in the business and we are delighted to have him with us!"