There was glorious weather to enjoy as well as plenty of fine brass band playing at the third Newtown (Mid Wales) March & Open Air Contest recently, where large crowds once again lined the streets and local park to listen to eight bands competing for the prizes on offer.

Beaumaris Brass

Beaumaris Brass under the baton of Gwyn Evans travelled down from Anglesey to sweep the board, winning the overall title as well as the prizes for ‘Best March’, ‘Best Hymn Tune’ and ‘Best Soloist’, which went to principal euphonium Calum MacDonald.

The North Walians beat off the spirited challenge of local favourites Newtown Silver conducted by MD Steve Edwards, although the band did take the Deportment Prize as they proudly marched along their high street.

The final podium place went to another North Wales contender, as Holywell under Aled Williams ended third.

Judges

The music adjudicator was Nigel Seaman, whilst deportment fell under the eagle eye of Robert Morgan MBE, former chairman of the British Federation of Brass Bands (BFBB) and a welcome visitor to Mid Wales.

Both judges spoke very highly of the performances, especially in view of the huge age differences within the participating bands and the number of young people taking part in a contest for the first time.

Presentations

The presentations were made by the Nigel Seaman, Robert Morgan MBE, and contest sponsors, whilst the day was compered by contest controllers John and Helen Bennett of Newtown Silver Band who paid tribute to Newtown Carnival Trust and the members of Newtown Silver Band who worked so hard to make the event run smoothly.

The 2015 event will be held on June 14th

Both judges spoke very highly of the performances, especially in view of the huge age differences within the participating bands and the number of young people taking part4BR

Results:
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman (music) & Robert Morgan MBE (deportment)

1. Beaumaris Brass (Gwyn Evans)
2. Newtown Silver (Steve Edwards)
3. Holywell (Aled Williams)

Soloist Award: Calum MacDonald (euphonium) — Beaumaris Brass
Best Contest March: Beaumaris Brass
Best Hymn: Beaumaris Brass

Highest Placed Youth Band: Deiniolen Youth (Osian Tomos)
Highest Placed Training Band: North Powys Training (Philip Pryce)
Highest Placed Non Registered Band: Knighton Town (Steve Edwards)
Joint Runner-up: Newtown Training (Steve Edwards) & and Llanrug Training Band (Dyfrig Owen)

Deportment: Newtown Silver Band
Deportment (Youth/Training): North Powys Training