Tongwynlais Temperance has announced that their Royal Albert Hall National Final assault on 'Journey of the Lone Wolf' in October will be led by Rothwell Temperance Musical Director Dave Roberts.

Good form

The band qualified at a keenly fought Welsh Area contest in March — marking their fifth consecutive trip to Kensington, and comes after they continued their good 2016 form by claiming a top-six finish at the Grand Shield.

Outstanding record

Band Chairman Iestyn Davies told 4BR: "As a hard working band the opportunity to represent Wales once again at such an iconic event is a great privilege. It's not something we take for granted, but is based on hard work and commitment throughout the year.

We are therefore delighted that Dave has accepted our invitation. He has an outstanding record of achievement with Rothwell and as a freelance conductor, and we believe we have a great deal in common with his approach. He will receive a warm Welsh welcome."

He has an outstanding record of achievement with Rothwell and as a freelance conductor, and we believe we have a great deal in common with his approach. He will receive a warm Welsh welcomeIestyn Davies

Bond together

Resident conductor Christopher Bond will work with Dave in the lead up to the National Final and will also direct the band at its forthcoming appearance at the Pershore Festival of Brass and on a number of subsequent concerts and recordings.

Iestyn Davies concluded: "We have a strong leadership team in place and look forward to continuing to build the band both on and off the stage."