*
banner

Blue Riband award tops Eisteddfod debut for Ela

13 year old Ela haf Williams certainly enjoyed her trip down to Abvergavenny for the Welsh National Eisteddfod on the weekend.

Ela haf Williams
  Blue Riband winner Ela haf Williams

It was certainly a Welsh National Eisteddfod to remember for the Deiniolen Band in Abergavenny on the weekend.

In addition to winning the Second Section title in fine style under MD, Lois Eifion Jones, the north Walian's young cornet player Ela haf Williams claimed the prestigious 'Blue Riband' Under 16 Instrumentalist Award — beating off competition from a talented trio cello, viola and piano players from the other instrumental classes.

Not fazed

The 13 year old from Bontnewydd was competing in the competition for the first time and certainly wasn't fazed by the thought of her performances of 'Concerto d'Aranquez' and 'Carnival of Venice' being broadcast live to the world on the national S4C television channel.

Her performances not only wowed the audience in the main pavilion, plus the five judges, but saw her also claim a cheque of £100 and a scholarship award of £1,0004BR

Wowed

Her performances not only wowed the audience in the main pavilion, plus the five judges, but saw her also claim a cheque of £100 and a scholarship award of £1,000.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brass in Concert

Don't miss the entertainment...

November 13 • You won't miss a single note of the weekend at the Brass in Concert Championships thanks to World of Sound and Wobplay.


podcast

4BR Review — Episode 24

November 13 • Ahead of the 2026 Brass in Concert Championships, Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas looked at the questions and issues surrounding how brass bands entertain audiences.


Siddis Geneva

New sponsorship approach by Geneva boosts grass roots in Norway

November 13 • Geneva Instruments looks to support next generation of players at grass roots level with new approach to contest sponsorship.


Perth Concert Hall

Bands boost for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • The are three packed days of contesting to enjoy at Perth Concert Hall as bands get ready for performances in Perth.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Mossley Band

November 12 • MOSSLEY BAND. . Solo Trombone Vacancy . . We are inviting applications for our Solo Trombone chair. . . Rehearsals: Tue and Thur 8-10pm. MD Duncan Byers. Friendly and ambitious band. Established core team. Friendly Trom section


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd