*
banner

More national success for Bontnewydd youngsters

The amazing young players of Bontnewydd Primary School have been winning national titles once again...

Bontnewydd
 

The amazing young players of Ysgol Bontnewydd Primary School have just added another national title to their growing list of achievements.

100,000 visitors

Following on from their victory at the National Youth Championships of Great Britain in Salford in April, the band has claimed the Urdd National Eisteddfod title — part of the largest youth organisation festival in Wales which has attracted over 100,000 visitors to Meirionnydd this week.

It is the second year in a row that the band from North Wales has won the award — beating off the challenge of 13 others bands.

Star

In addition, Bontnewydd’s star 10 year old cornet player Ela Haf Williams, who made such an impression with her playing at Salford, won the ‘Under 12 Brass Solo’ class.

Ela not only beat 16 other finalists on the day, but well over 100 original entrants to the event throughout Wales — with the adjudicator simply writing ‘WOW!’ on his remarks sheet.

Not outdone

Not to be outdone the school’s brass quintet also took the ‘Ensemble Category’ title – with all three performances from the band, Ela and the ensemble beamed live into Welsh homes on the national S4C television channel.

It is the second year in a row that the band from North Wales has won the award — beating off the challenge of 13 others bands4BR

In action

You can check out the band’s amazing performance at:
http://www.s4c.co.uk/urdd/e_index.php#competitions-monday

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    


Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd