Burry Port was crowned National Eisteddfod of Wales champion after a hard fought victory in Meifod in Powys on the weekend.
Led by MD Tom Davoren, the reigning champion produced an innovative programme, broadcast live on the S4C television channel on Sunday lunchtime, to pip spirited rivals Llanrug under Paul Hughes and retain the ornate Challenge Cup trophy.
Victory also saw the band claim a Welsh banding first — with the west walians now holding the Welsh Open, Welsh League and National Eisteddfod trophies.
Pure of Heart
Burry Port's set opened with 'Phoenix' from 'War of the Worlds' by Peter Graham before solo euphonium Chris Smith delivered a superb lyrical rendition of 'Ar Lan y Mor'.
The upbeat drive and pulse of 'Kongolela' led into the evocative premiere of 'Bli hos oss' by 2015 European Composer winner Stan Nieuwenhuis, before things were rounded off with the world premiere of 'Pure of Heart' based on the Welsh hymn tune 'Calon Lan', by the MD.
"I'm delighted with another important victory,"Tom Davoren told 4BR. "There is a growing sense of confidence and musical adventure about the band, and with Mike Thorne doing so much great work and with some important projects in the pipeline this is another step forward in our musical progression."
Burry Port was pushed all the way to the title by their North Wales rivals, as Llanrug showed a focused sense of control under the direction of the Fairey Band principal cornet.
Ebbw Valley hat trick
There was also a unique hat-trick to celebrate in the Second Section as Ebbw Valley added a trio of Eisteddfod titles to the three successive Area victories already claimed under MD Gareth Ritter.
They will now head to Cheltenham in a couple of months time hoping to make it a 'triple' hat-trick if they can add yet another National Championship of Great Britain success to their impressive tally.
It is something the MD is certainly hoping to achieve, as he told 4BR: "We are playing very well at the moment, but we also know that we have to keep improving all the time if we are to create that little bit of history. We are confident but we are also working harder than ever before."
Ebbw Valley opened their 15 minute set with the bold march 'National Emblem' before showing off their multi-instrumentalist talents with 'Mr Sandman' and 'Fire in the Blood' which featured principal cornet Nanette Jones and euphonium Nathan Davies.
A determined Deiniolen pushed the victors all the way under Lois Eifion Jones as they also prepare to lock horns again in Cheltenham in September, with third place going to City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) 2 directed by Robin Hackett.
Ammanford triumph
There was first Eisteddfod triumph since 1991 for Ammanford in the Third Section, as conducted by Glyn Davies they produced an excellent programme to beat off the challenge of Ynyshir and RAF St Athan.
The band opened their 15 minute set with 'Home of Legends', followed by principal cornet Teifion Davies' vibrant rendition of 'Whirlwind', before closing with a powerful performance of 'Fire in the Blood'.
A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We were thrilled at the way we played — and even more thrilled at the result, especially after coming runner-up last year.
The Eisteddfod is such an important event and we have a proud history taking part in it that includes a victory back in 1937. I'm sure we enjoyed the celebration just as much this time around!"
Oakeley victorious
There was no happier winner to be found on the Eisteddfod site all weekend than John Glyn Jones, after he was interviewed by S4C television after leading Royal Oakeley to success in the Fourth Section.
A wonderfully planned and executed entertainment set saw them repel the strong challenge from rivals Ynyshir and Porthaethwy Menai Bridge as they also retained the title they won in Llanelli last year.
They opened with 'Salute to the Dragon' by John's great friend and Beaumaris MD Gwyn Evans, before Ceris Jones and Alan Jones produced a lyrical rendition of 'Pie Jesus'.
However, the band certainly upped the atmosphere in the huge Pavilion tent with the foot tapping 'Runaway Baby' and imposing 'Mars — The Bringer of War' to close.
"It's been another great success for such a young band,"Glyn told 4BR, after leading the Blaenau Ffestiniog based band to an eighth Eisteddfod success under this command.
"We are investing in the development of our youngsters — with five new players coming into the band from last year. I'm delighted for them all and with exciting projects and plans already in place the future for the band looks great."
It certainly does for a band that has one of the most interesting histories in Welsh banding — right from its first Eisteddfod appearance in 1883. The band can also boast winning the top section as far back as 1907 as well as being the first Welsh band to be placed in the top six at the British Open in the same year.
"We do have a great history,"Glyn added. "But it's the future that excites me even more with such a great bunch of players to work with."
There is a growing sense of confidence and musical adventure about the band, and with Mike Thorne doing so much great work and with some important projects in the pipeline this is another step forward in our musical progressionTom Davoren
Results:
Championship/First Section:
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman, Scott Lloyd, Steve Pritchard-Jones
1. Burry Port (Tom Davoren) — 95
2. Llanrug (Paul Hughes) — 94
Second Section:
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman, Scott Lloyd, Steve Pritchard-Jones
1. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter)
2. Deiniolen (Lois Eifion Jones)
3. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith ) 2 (Robin Hackett)
4. Newtown (Steve Edwards)
5. RAF St Athan (Alan Bourne)
Third Section:
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman, Scott Lloyd, Steve Pritchard-Jones
1. Ammanford (Glyn Davies)
2. Ynyshir (Gary Davies)
3. RAF St Athan (Alan Bourne)
Fourth Section:
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman, Scott Lloyd, Steve Pritchard-Jones
1. Royal Oakeley (John Glyn Jones)
2. Ynyshir (Gary Davies)
3. Porthaethwy Menai Bridge (Patrick Rimes)
4. Ystradgynlais (Alex Parker)
5. Dyffryn Nantlle (Gwenllian Jones)
