Ahead of their appearance at this weekend's Grand Shield contest in Blackpool, Welsh contenders Tongwynlais Temperance have announced that Ben Knowles will be assisting them on solo trombone.

Double winner

Ben will fill the seat vacated by regular principal trombone Dafydd Thomas, who is working as one of the tutors at Cardiff's Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Ben most recently played for Foden's along with his wife Eve and was part of the band and that won the 'Double' in 2012.

Fortunate

Ben told 4BR: "I've most recently been involved in leading my trombone quartet, 'In-Slide-Out' as well as a funk and soul band, 'The Treme'.

I've also been fortunate to work alongside Russell and Mareika Gray in conducting at Eccles Band and more recently at Formby Band as well as enjoying teaching developing brass talent in the north west."

We're really pleased to welcome Ben for this important contest and looking forward to him joining with us on stage at the Winter GardensBand Chairman, Iestyn Davies

Pleased

Band Chairman, Iestyn Davies added: "We're really pleased to welcome Ben for this important contest and looking forward to him joining with us on stage at the Winter Gardens.

The Grand Shield is a key contest for us as we set out our stall for a possible return to the British Open. We have a great team of players making the journey to the Golden Mile and are looking forward to a great weekend of banding under MD Glyn Williams".