*
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    


Chinnor

New direction at Chinnor

January 17 • Chris Andrews takes the baton alongside a trio of new signings as the band looks forward to making its First Section debut at Stevenage.


webster

Wonderful response to charity concert

January 17 • A concert to help raise funds for a young family man with a close connection to the old banding world has already gained a wonderful response of support.


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Finalists

Final beats made ahead of NYBBGB Conducting Final

January 16 • Ammal Bhatia, Megan Bousfield, Tommy Tynan and Joey Wong will head to Tidworth Garrison Theatre in Wiltshire with the aim to become the winner of the prestigious event supported by British Army Music.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd