*
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    


Chrsitmas Quiz

Last chance to enter the 4BR Christmas Quiz

December 31 • If you want to try and win a Prodige cornet and mutes for a young player in your band, then fire up your little grey banding brain cells one last time in 2025.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire youth to get generational boost of confidence

December 31 • The Next Generation of players from bands in the four counties of Yorkshire will be able to gain inspiration from Black Dyke Band star players.


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd