Welsh bands set to battle again for Â£10,000 televised prize

The cross-genre Band Cymru band and ensemble competitions will take place for a third time in 2018 — with a hefty prize to be won alongside plenty of television exposure .

Following the success of the first two editions of Band Cymru in 2014 and 2016, the Welsh national television broadcaster S4C has announced that the ensemble competition will once again take place in 2018.

Organised and produced by the Rondo television company, the competition has attracted healthy viewing figures, culminating with audiences enjoying the live broadcast final, which was won by Cory in 2014 and Tredegar in 2016. Both bands also took home a substantial first prize of £10,000.

A sibling Band Ieuenctid Cymru competition for ensembles comprising performers 18 years of age and under will also be held at the same time, with a first prize of £1,000.

Highest standard

Band Cymru and Band Ieuenctid Cymru competitors will have to perform what the producers call, 'an entertaining programme to the highest standard of presentation' so that television audiences can enjoy the very best in Welsh banding.

Following a series of recorded auditions across Wales, 12 'Band Cymru' competitors will be invited to appear at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre during the weekend of February 17th — 18th. Each will receive £500. As in 2016, the defending champion is not allowed to defend its title.

The 12 will then be split into four sessions for a quartet of television programmes, with a winner announced at the end of each broadcast.

Four finalists

However, as in previous years, and much like the famous Cardiff Singer of the World competition, the winner is not guaranteed a place in the final.

An internationally renowned panel of judges will pick four bands to compete in the final at the Great Hall, Swansea University on Sunday April 22nd, with each receiving a further £500.

Meanwhile, following recorded auditions, four bands from those entered in the separate Band Ieuenctid Cymru competition will be invited to appear in the final at the Great Hall, Swansea University on Saturday April 21st. Each finalist will also receive a further £250.

Prize pot additions

The winner of the senior Band Cymru 2018 title will receive a further prize of £7,000, whilst there will be the opportunity for a band to win a further 'Best Presentation' award of £2000. During the semi-finals the judges will choose the 'Best Soloist' award winner who will receive an individual prize of £500.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are delighted to be host yet another edition of this increasingly popular competition, one which attracts the very best ensembles from every corner of Wales.

Ensembles and bands should get in touch as soon as possible to ensure entry and to give themselves the opportunity to become Band Cymru and Band Ieuenctid Cymru champions 2018."

The closing date for entries is 6th October 2017.

Ensembles and bands should get in touch as soon as possible to ensure entry and to give themselves the opportunity to become Band Cymru and Band Ieuenctid Cymru champions 2018organisers