*
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    


Easington

Easington's backing to John Lewis festive advert

November 5 • Your can hear the sound of a brass ensemble from Easington Colliery Band on this year's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert.


NYBBGB

Excellent response to NYBBGB Composer Competition

November 5 • Lots of interest, but there is still plenty of time to get entries in for the John Gillam Young Composer Competition run by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Festival Brass Band

Vertommen to lead Festival Brass at Belgian Championships

November 5 • The experienced Luc Vertommen will lead Festival Brass Band in Heist-op-den-Berg later this month as MD Senne La Mela takes principal cornet role.


Get marching

Morley March Contest boosted

November 5 • The popular march contest adds to its attractions for 2027.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


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


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit Front Row Cornets, position negotiable to complete our line up for next years Area contest. The band rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45pm till 9.45pm in our fantastic purpose built bandroom.


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit horns to complete our line-up for the Area contest next year. The position is negotiable. Hade Edge are a friendly second band who rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45 till 9.45 in a fantastic purpose built bandroom


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

November 5 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd