*
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    


Yorkshire

Yorkshire's Next Generation shines on tuition day

February 24 • The next generation of Yorkshire playing talent was on show under the direction of Richard Marshall.


NYBBBelgium

Spectrum of young talent shines again in Belgium

February 24 • The National Youth Brass Band of Belgium and it even younger sibling continues to be inspired for the future.


Robin Stevens

Death of Robin Stevens

February 24 • The death has been announced of the composer Robin Stevens


podcast

Latest 4BR Review podcast

February 23 • The latest live 4BR Review podcast will be aired on Wednesday 25th February at 7.00pm — so why not bookmark it and join us with your views as we preview of the 2026 Regional Championships and more...


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd