BBC Radio Wales has announced details of their national ‘Brass Band Day’ which will celebrate the long heritage and success of Welsh brass banding.

Lauanched

The ‘BBC Radio Wales Brass Day’ will be broadcast throughout Wednesday, December 18th, and was officially launched on air on Friday afternoon by leading presenter Beverley Humphreys.

Spotlight

Beverley told 4BR: "Radio Wales Brass Day will see programmes from ‘Good Morning Wales’ to ‘Radio Wales Sport’ shining a high profile spotlight on Welsh banding success with interviews, features and recordings throughout the day.”

There will also be some light hearted moments to enjoy to, as Beverley explained: “In preparation, some of the station’s best-loved presenters, including Jason Mohammad, Wynne Evans, Eleri Siôn, Derek Brockway, Roy Noble and Dewi Griffiths have promised they’ll do their best to learn how to get some musical notes from various brass instruments!"

Festive mood

To get the station and its listeners into a festive mood, British Open champions Tredegar have recorded a number of introductory jingles written by their Composer in Residence Matt Hall, whilst the band will round off the day with a concert broadcast live from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.

Cyfarthfa heritage

Other highlights include a live outside broadcast by well known broadcaster Jason Mohammad from Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil, the home of one of the world’s most important brass band collections of music and instruments

Meanwhile, arts presenters Nicola Heywood Thomas will tell the story of the brass band tradition in The Radio Wales Arts Show, including contributions from European, National and Brass in Concert champion Cory, Masters champion Beaumaris and National Youth champion Ysgol Bontnewydd Brass Band from Gwynedd.

In ‘All Things Considered’ presenter Roy Jenkins will be hearing about the meaning and motivation behind the music of the Salvation Army.

There’s an amazing brass band tradition in Wales and I’m proud that BBC Radio Wales will be celebrating their heritage and achievements with a special day of programmeRadio Wales Editor, Steve Austins

Amazing tradition

Radio Wales Editor, Steve Austins, told 4BR: "There’s an amazing brass band tradition in Wales and I’m proud that BBC Radio Wales will be celebrating their heritage and achievements with a special day of programmes.

I’m looking forward to the performance by the Tredegar Town Band — I’m sure it will be a special treat for all our listeners."

Free tickets

Tickets for the live evening concert are free and can be obtained by ringing 03700 101 051 for bookings and further details (standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply).