For the first time in its history, the Welsh Open trophy will reside in a bandroom on the east side of the River Severn, after Filton Concert Brass from near Bristol marked their debut at the event with a memorable victory.

It also proved an occasion not to forget for Glenn Van Looy, as the Belgian euphonium star marked his first contest conducting appearance with a bold success over a strong line-up of Welsh and West of England rivals.

Rain swept

Despite Porthcawl being battered by a rain-swept gale, the Grand Pavilion was packed with brass band support, whilst the excellent team of volunteers ensured that the day ran as smoothly as possible.

The contest was also swept with young conducting talent: Runner-up City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1 directed by Dewi Griffiths, with third placed Tongwynlais Temperance conducted by Christopher Bond.

Contest key

Meanwhile, Jonathan Pippen, Tom Davoren and Chris Turner led Staines, Burry Port and Llwydcoed into the top-six in a contest that adjudicator Ian Brownbill told 4BR was decided on consistency more than anything else.

"That really was the key,"he said. "It was two contests in one in many respects — the top seven some way ahead of the rest; but it was still good brass band basics that sorted things out. I enjoyed the programmes and the ideas that MDs came up with, but it was the execution that mattered for me.

The top two really produced dynamic, consistent music making and the rest of the top six were not far behind. I was also impressed by the standard of solo playing and conducting on show."

So well rehearsed

Ian added: "The winning flugel soloist was excellent (Tim Malpas of Filton Concert) and the winners sounded so well rehearsed, balanced and musical. It may have been a nasty old day outside, but in the hall the audience enjoyed a fine day of music making."

Although Glenn Van Looy had to take an early morning flight to get back to his Belgian home, 4BR still managed to catch up with him before he started packing his bags for a forthcoming solo trip to the USA on Wednesday.

"I'm so pleased to have been able to help Filton to this victory. Tom Davoren made sure the band was in great shape before I arrived on Monday, and then the players responded to everything I asked of them all week. They are a fantastic bunch of people — and I can't thank them enough."

Glenn added: "Things just clicked — and I'm sure they will do very well at the Area contest in Torquay. The memories of the victory will live with me for a very long time."

Neat twist

In a neat twist of contesting fate, the early contest marker came in fact from Tom Davoren, as he led the defending champion Burry Port in a programme inspired by the 'Game of Thrones' television series — including an evocative new work from Paul McGhee entitled, 'Rains of Castamere'.

Following on stage, Llwydcoed certainly started impressively before tiredness just took its toll on their 'Chess' set to eventually end sixth, whilst the modern-day phenomena of 'You-Tube' was the 'related search' inspiration behind the innovative approach of Staines Brass.

Neatly worked 'click-of- a-button' links and excellent vocalist assistance led from Latin-American Samba to Freddie Mercury as they claimed the 'Most Entertaining Stage Presentation' and 'Best Percussion' awards in coming fourth.

Space theme

Meanwhile, Tongwynlais Temperance showed that they are returning to form in time for their Welsh Area challenge in a few weeks time, as they produced a 'space' themed programme to end third.

Their excellent principal cornet Charlotte Chambers, took the keenly contested 'Best Cornet' award for her fine contribution to a set that included PLC's 'Enter the Galaxies' as well Andy Scott's 'Space Invaders' and the 'Stratos' Euphonium Concerto featuring solo euphonium Matt Rowe.

Happy Cardiff

And despite just being pipped to a the winning post, a very happy City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1 will now head to the Welsh Area First Section contest as a clear favourite to defend their title after they beat a host of top flight rivals in coming runner-up.

Their inventive approach saw the band open with 'Sound the Bells', with the cornet solo 'Back in Time' followed by 'Song for Japan', the Star Wars inspired 'Cantina Band' and Philip Sparke's 'Madrigalum', as they also claimed the 'Best Horn Section' award as well £500 in prize money.

Musical variance

There was little doubt however that the wonderful CISWO Challenge Trophy was heading to England for the first time since the completion started in 1998, as Filton produced a performance that wedded technical security with musical variance — from the opening 'Over the Rainbow' by Tom Davoren through to their finale of 'Fusions' by Martin Cordner.

'Phoenix' from Peter Graham's 'War of the Worlds' was balanced by flugel star Tim Malpas, who claimed the Secretary's Rosebowl for his virtuosic rendition of 'South Loop', before a lyrical contrast was provided by the Norwegian 'Bli hos osf' and the rousing finale to secure a victory that saw the band head for home with enough change from the winner's cheque of £1,000 to pay for many more future contesting crossings of the Severn Bridge.

Things just clicked — and I'm sure they will do very well at the Area contest in Torquay. The memories of the victory will live with me for a very long timeGlenn Van Looy

Results:
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill

1. Filton Concert Brass (Glenn Van Looy) — 191
2. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1 (Dewi Griffiths) — 190
3. Tongwynlais Temperance (Christopher Bond) — 189
4. Staines Brass (Jonathan Pippen) — 188
5. Burry Port (Tom Davoren) — 187
6. Llwydcoed (Chris Turner) — 186
7. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter) — 185
8. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson) — 182
9. Tylorstown (Gary Davies) — 180
10. Pontardulais (Paul Jenkins) — 179
11. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts) — 178
12. Parc & Dare (Adrian Morton) — 177
13. Cinderford (Jack Campey) — 175
14. AW Parker (Drybrook) (Josh Ruck) — 174

Most Entertaining Stage Presentation: Staines Brass

Best Soloist: Tim Malpas (flugel) — Filton Concert Brass
Best Cornet: Charlotte Chambers (Tongwynlais Temperance)
Best Horn Section: City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1
Best Percussion Section: Staines Brass
Best First Section Band not in prizes: Ebbw Valley

Youngest Player: AW Parker (Drybrook)