A total of 11 bands entered the popular Newtown March & Open Air Contest on the weekend, with the successful event once again attracting large crowds and support in the picturesque mid-Wales town.

Adjudicator, Sarah Groarke — Booth stated that she was 'very impressed' with the standard of playing from all the competitors, especially with their varied and challenging programmes. Meanwhile, deportment judge, John Sadler was also very complimentary in his remarks, commenting on the high standards of presentation.

Town Hall

Following the march element down the local High Street, the bands performed in the Town Hall grounds before a large and appreciative audience.

Porthaethwy Menai Bridge with MD Chris Williams at the helm gave an excellent account of themselves, generating a superb sound, tight ensemble and musical touches to take home the first prize of £300, as well as £70 for 'Best Deportment'. Runner-up was welcome Midlands visitor Ifton Colliery with Wellington (Telford) in third.

At the end of the contest the bands joined together to play the march 'Slaidburn', conducted by Sarah Groarke — Booth.

Memorable day

A spokesperson for the organisers told 4BR: "On behalf of Newtown Silver Band, we would like to thank all our sponsors, Newtown Town Council and Newtown Carnival Trust for their generous support and give a special thanks to all the bands that travelled from all over Wales and from over the border to support us.

The massed bands were an awesome sight and sound to provide a great finish to a memorable day."

The massed bands were an awesome sight and sound to provide a great finish to a memorable dayEvent spokesperson

Result:

Adjudicator: Sarah Groarke-Booth

1. Porthaethwy Menai Bridge
2. Ifton Colliery
3. Wellington (Telford)
4. Newtown Silver
5. Holywell
6. Seindorf Ieuenctid Deiniolen Youth
7. Briton Ferry
8. Dyffryn Nantlle
9. North Powys Training
10. Beaumaris LSW
11. Newtown Training

Deportment Prize (Open): Porthaethwy Menai Bridge
Deportment Prize Youth/Training: Newtown Training

Soloist Award: Flugel — Wellington (Telford)
Best Bass Section: Porthaethwy Menai Bridge
Youngest Brass Player on the day: Rose Foskett (Newtown Training)
Youngest Percussion Player on the day: Evans Haine (North Powys Training)
Best March: Ifton Colliery
Best Hymn Tune: Porthaethwy Menai Bridge
Highest Placed Youth Band: Seindorf Ieuenctid Deiniolen
Highest Placed Training Band: North Powys Training
Runner-up Training Band: Newtown Training