*
banner

Dai capo Welsh reprise for Lewis Merthyr

The Lewis Merthyr Band has just enjoyed a repeat showing on BBC Wales as part of a series about the famous River Taff.

Lewis Merthyr Colliery
  The former Lewis Merthyr Colliery and its band were featured in the programme.

The Lewis-Merthyr Band has just been featured on BBC Four television as part of a repeat series about the River Taff — 'The river that made Wales'.

Following the flow

First shown in 2016, presenter Will Millard follows its course — which rises in the Brecon Beacons before joining to flow through Merthyr Tydfil and valley towns such as Pontypridd before eventually reaching Cardiff. It is now renowned for its fishing as well as its connection to a rich industrial history.

It was the latter that saw the band featured under MD Craig Roberts, members of the band and trustee Ivor England, who was formerly a miner at the Lewis-Merthyr Colliery which is also featured in the programme.

Lewis Merthyr Band was formed in 1880, taking its current name in 1949. It has been Champion Band of Wales and has represented the nation at the European Brass Band Championships. It is currently enjoying competitive life in the First Section.

It was the latter that saw the band featured under MD Craig Roberts, members of the band and trustee Ivor England, who was formerly a miner at the Lewis-Merthyr Colliery which is also featured in the programme4BR

Watch

The episode can be watched online for the next 30 days at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0705d04

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    


iNSTRUMENTS

Trump tariffs set to raise instrument prices in USA

August 13 • A new tariff proposal on imports, parts and accessories on brass and wind musical instruments draws criticism about national security issues.


willebroek

Willebroek's sixth sense pays off with Band Academy

August 13 • Over 60 young players enjoyed six days of Belgian music making on their sixth Academy course.


Harper

Harper enjoys Cory reconnection in Japan

August 13 • Philip Harper has made a Cory link in Japan to help inspire musicians on the Ageo Band Camp in Saitama.


Bruce Broughton

BrookWright Music: 11 March 1917 (Bruce Broughton)

August 13 • A moving euphonium solo from the pen of the critically acclaimed American composer Bruce Broughton.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 13 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET 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!


Chinnor Silver

August 12 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on MONDAY (17th) in our bandroom at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities who want a friendly relaxed rehearsal with tea and cake.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band it’s just an extra blow.


Chinnor Silver

August 11 • OurCOMMU ITY BAND meets again on Monday 17th at 11am in our .bandroom.. Why not join us for a relaxed friendly rehearsal where all abilities are welcome.. There ‘s tea and cake and. It’s all free.. So join us this Monday..


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd