*
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    


4BR podcast

4BR Podcast: Live National Championship Preview

September 30 • Join us on Thursday night for the the 4BR preview of the event and the issues that surround it.


dAVID cHILDS

David Childs to headline brass focus at the Cumnock Tryst

September 30 • Euphonium virtuoso David Childs will be a headline attraction at The Cumnock Tryst — with the cooperation band and The Wallace Collection also featured.


Hannah Peel

Return of Hannah Peel Radio 3 brass band series

September 30 • The first of a new series of 'Brass Banding with Hannah Peel' will be broadcast this weekend.


Regent Brass

Regent Brass to premiere new work

September 30 • 'Ode to the Three Who Hanged' by Franklin Onyeso will provide the centrepiece of 'Rituals and Revelations' at the Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Ashington Colliery Band

September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd