*
banner

Miners set for Porthcawl entertainment

There is a fine cross border entertainment battle to savour in Porthcawl this Saturday

Miners contest
 

The busy domestic Welsh contesting season continues this weekend with the 4th Miners Entertainment Contest in Porthcawl.

Spotlight

The annual event on Saturday has become a valuable spotlight for lower section bands from both sides of the River Severn, with this year eight from the home nation up against four rivals from over the border.

Each band will have to perform a 20 minute own choice entertainment programme to impress adjudicator Paul Holland if they are to get their hands on the £600 first prize and magnificent South Wales Miners Challenge Trophy worth over £6,000, as well as gain an invitation to compete against top flight rivals at the 2015 Welsh Open.

Prizes

Podium finishers will pick up hefty prizes of £400 and £200 respectively, whilst there are also a number of individual awards on offer for the highest placed Third and Fourth Section bands not in the prizes, best stage presentation, youngest player and a trio of solo prizes, including the new ‘Best Euphonium’ award in memory of Welsh banding stalwart Yorweth Gowing.

It all kicks off at midday with the first of the twelve bands taking to the stage.

Each band will have to perform a 20 minute own choice entertainment programme to impress adjudicator Paul Holland if they are to get their hands on the £600 first prize4BR

Competing bands:

A W Parker (Drybrook), Abertillery & District, Cinderford, Ebbw Valley, Gwaun Cae Gurwen, Melingriffith 2, Oxford Cherwell, Pillowell, RAF St Athan Vol, Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda, Upper Rhondda, Ynyshir.

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    


4BR Podcast

4BR Podcast Interview Episode 1: John Wallace CBE and Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

February 12 • The first in a new video podcast series sees Iwan Fox talk to John Wallace CBE and Katrina Marzella-Wheeler about a free concert with a personal connection in more ways than one to the trumpeter's career and health.


bRASS dAY

Fountain leads free attractions at RBC Brass Extravaganza Day

February 12 • James Fountain, Bones Apart, Ian Porthouse, Les Neish, Helen Varley, Chris Robertson, Paul Fisher lead a free day of brass tuition, masterclasses and workshops at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire this Saturday.


yOUTH cHAMP

Judges announced for Youth Championships

February 12 • There will be plenty of youthful talent as well as experience with the judges in Hull in March with Zoe Wright, Sam Wynne, Jamie Smith, Thomas Dunne, Alan Duguid, Ashley Dixon and Chris Houlding.


Glyn Williams

Williams ready for 30th anniversary Area challenge

February 12 • Glyn Williams will mark 30 years of competing at the Regional Championships this year with a record of achievement not many can match.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Linthwaite Band

February 10 • Linthwaite are a friendly 4th section band looking forward to the Yorkshire area contest in March, following on from that we will have a vacancy for a 2nd cornet. We also have various contests and engagements coming up through the year to keep us busy.


Chinnor Silver

February 7 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets on a Monday morning and we welcome any players who would like an extra blow.. players of all abilities welcome and we do not expect you to alter your allegiance to your band.. just a fun blow with cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

February 5 • Wantage Band (championship section) has a vacancy for TOP 2ND CORNET. This would suit a player with experience in a championship/first section band. Rehearsals take place every Sun 7:30pm and Wed 8pm in Wantage with highly experienced MD Chris King.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd