The most successful year in Welsh brass banding history is set to be celebrated on BBC Radio Wales on Wednesday December 18th.

National broadcaster

It forms part of the national broadcaster’s commitment to producing an extensive and eclectic musical output in the run-up to Christmas, and will see its popular programmes, from early morning news to evening sport, shining a high profile spotlight on Welsh banding success with interviews, features and recordings throughout the day.

Arts show and live broadcast

At 6.30pm the Radio Wales Arts Show will reflect Welsh banding past, present and future, whilst at 9.00pm, the celebration will be rounded off with a special evening concert broadcast live from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff featuring British Open champion Tredegar under the baton of MD Ian Porthouse.

Champion presenter

The event will be presented by the highly respected broadcaster and singer Beverley Humphreys, who has been an indefatigable champion of Welsh brass banding for many years, notably through her own popular national radio programme, Beverley’s World of Music.

It’s going to be a wonderful day celebrating outstanding music making – something that Welsh people take a great deal of pride inPresenter Beverley Humphreys

Outstanding music making

Beverley is certainly looking forward to hosting the event. "It’s going to be a wonderful day celebrating outstanding music making – something that Welsh people take a great deal of pride in.

We also hope to display all the major awards won by Welsh bands during 2013 – from the prizes won by our wonderful youth bands to the major championship trophies that have been claimed by the likes of Cory, Tredegar and Beaumaris."

Beverley added: "There will also be features covering all aspects of Welsh banding — from its rich history to its exciting future, all linked together by the sound of brass."

More details

Look out for more details on the BBC Cymru Wales website in the coming weeks.