*
banner

Herbert lecture to explore historical genesis of valleys banding success

Professor Trevor Hebert is to give the 2016 Gwent Archives Annual Christmas Lecture exploring the earliest days of Victorian brass banding in the south Wales valleys.

cYFARTHFA
  Tredegar Band dressed as the famous Cyfarthfa Band from Merthyr Tydfil

The renowned musicologist and academic Professor Trevor Herbert will provide the annual Gwent Archives Annual Christmas Lecture on Wednesday 23rd November in Ebbw Vale (2.00pm).

Victorian influence

At a time of unprecedented success for Welsh banding, the Professor of Music at the Open University will look back to the very beginnings of the brass band movement in South Wales with his lecture entitled, "Victorian brass bands and the influence on them of the Welsh valleys."

Genesis

Prof Herbert will look at the genesis of the movement, asking how it started and why in the south Wales valleys it ultimately became established and successful among people so economically and socially deprived.

The lecture will be illustrated by historic images, documents and recordings from the age.

The annual lectures have become a popular annual event at the former British Steel General offices in Ebbw Vale, which is now home to an outstanding archive of records and social history, serving the Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen County Borough Council areas.

Prof Herbert will look at the genesis of the movement, asking how it started and why in the south Wales valleys it ultimately became established and successful among people so economically and socially deprived4BR

Book places

Places can be booked by contacting Gwent Archives on 01495 353363 or by emailing them at enquiries@gwentarchives.gov.uk to register your interest.

Further information about the event and the Gwent Archives can be found at www.gwentarchives.gov.uk

Lecture venue: Gwent Archives, Steelworks Road, Ebbw Vale (NP23 6AA)
Admission free

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    


wobplay

Support boosts new Wobplay tenure

August 6 • Nicki Tonge and Adam Goldsmith grateful for the continued support of global subscribers as World of Sound, World of Brass and wobplay look towards future.


NYBBWales

Orbital gets Welsh Youth launch

August 6 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales will include Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in their ambitious summer course concerts repertoire.


UnIbRASS

Entries open for UniBrass Composition Competition

August 6 • The 2027 UniBrass Foundation's Composition Competition is now open — with an Oxford feel theme.


Blackford

Orbital set for publishing take-off

August 5 • The acclaimed major work from composer Richard Blackford will be available for bands to purchase from 4th September.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd