*
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    


Brighouse

Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd