*
banner

Cory to lead BBC Radio Wales Christmas celebrations

Philip Harper and Cory will headline the start of the festive broadcasting on BBC Radio Wales this year with a special concert in Cardiff.

Cory
 

The Cory Band will be headlining the start of the festive broadcast season on BBC Radio Wales this year with a special concert at the Hoddinott Hall at Cardiff’s iconic Millennium Centre on Saturday 13th December.

Champion

The event, which starts at 7.00pm, is being hosted by the respected broadcaster Beverley Humphreys, a champion of the brass band cause in Wales, who has just been presented with the prestigious Geraint Stanley Jones ‘Contribution to Music Award’ from the Welsh Music Guild.

In 2013 Beverley led BBC Radio Wales in broadcasting a full day of brass band output, culminating in a live broadcast concert with Tredegar Band, and this year it is the turn of the number 1 ranked band in the world and current Welsh champion to herald the station’s festive output.

Meanwhile, Tredegar will once again be providing the station’s Christmas ‘Jingles’ to introduce news, travel and sport.

Wonderful event

Beverely told 4BR that the concert is not to be missed: “It’s going to be a wonderful event — full of festive spirit and superb playing. Please come along and bring the family — as Cory and Philip Harper are sure to play something that will appeal to everyone.”

Under the baton of Philip Harper the band will provide a concert of festive music to put everyone in the mood for Christmas — from ‘Yule Dance’ and ‘The Snowman’ to ‘A Glenn Miller Christmas’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’.

Cory stars Chris Thomas and Richard Davies will be featured as soloists in ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Away in a Manger’, with the evening rounded off with ‘A Christmas Fantasy’.

All this and the tickets are free on the night or can be booked in advance on 03700 10 10 514BR

Free tickets

All this and the tickets are free on the night or can be booked in advance on 03700 10 10 51.

The concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio Wales at 4.00pm on Monday 22nd December and repeated on Boxing Day morning at 9.00-10.00am.

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    


Megan Bousfield

4BR Friday interview with Megan Bousfield

January 9 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to NYBBGB Conductor Competition finalist Megan Bousfield.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire Championship schedule confirmed

January 9 • There will be two days of exciting Yorkshire banding battles in Huddersfield to enjoy.


Dai Thomas

Tredegar look to new business lead for 150th anniversary

January 9 • Welsh champions will take a new approach to their business outlook as their celebrate their 150th anniversary this year.


Next Step Films

Compilation album on offer from NXTOD

January 9 • There are plenty of highlights to enjoy from 2025 — and its all free from the NXTOD media platform.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd