After the torrential rain that almost drowned the local carnival the previous day, the sun shone brightly on the weekend for the fourth Newtown (Mid Wales) March & Open Air Contest.
Crowds lined the High Street and assembled in the Town Hall Park to listen to nine bands provide excellent entertainment as they battled for the generous prize fund on offer.
Beaumaris win
In the end it was the welcome visitors of Beaumaris Brass from Anglesey that claimed the overall first prize under the direction of Gwyn Evans, taking the 'Best March', 'Best Soloist' (to euphonium player Aled Williams) and 'Best Bass Section' awards along the way.
That trophy was donated by Annette Griffiths in memory of Newtown Band's President, John Bennett, and was presented by one of John's sons Stephen.
Close battle
After a close battle for the top prizes, Beaumaris eventually pipped local favourites Newtown Silver (who claimed the 'Best Hymn' prize) with debutants Menai Bridge Porthaethwy coming third (picking up the Deportment Shield).
A new award was a medallion given to the youngest player on the day, which was won by 5 year old Evan Haines, who played percussion with North Powys Training Band.
Adjudicator John Winterflood congratulated all the competing bands on their fine performances, with Deportment judge Captain Stewart Halliday, Director of Music of the Royal Corps of Signals Brass Band, RAF Cosford, also giving helpful advice and encouragement to all competitors.
Splash of colour
The Royal Corps of Signals Band under conductor Staff Sergeant, BM David Hatton also added a wonderful splash of colour to the occasion and performed an enjoyable concert during the collation of the results.
The whole day was compered by contest controller Helen Bennett and David Lloyd Evans, 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 Royal Corps of Signals Band under conductor Staff Sergeant, BM David Hatton also added a wonderful splash of colour to the occasion and performed an enjoyable concert during the collation of the results4BR
Results:
Adjudicators: John Winterflood (Music) & Captain Stewart Halliday (Deportment)
1. Beaumaris Brass (Gwyn Evans)
2. Newtown Silver (Steve Edwards)
3. Menai Bridge Porthaethwy (Chris Williams)
4. Shrewsbury Brass (Wendy Jones)
5. Knighton Town (Sarah Freeman)
6. Deiniolen Youth (Osian Tomos)
7. North Powys Training (Phillip Pryce)
8. Newtown Training (Steve Edwards)
9. Beaumaris LSW (Fred Evans)
Best Soloist: Aled Williams (euphonium) — Beaumaris Brass
Best Bass Section: Beaumaris Brass
Best Contest March: Beaumaris Brass
Best Hymn: Newtown Silver
Highest Placed Youth Band: Deiniolen Youth
Highest Placed Training Band: North Powys Training
Highest Placed Non Registered Band: Shrewsbury Brass
Deportment (Open): Menai Bridge Porthaethwy
Deportment (Youth/Training): North Powys Training Band
