*
banner

First Band Cymru semi-final set for broadcast

The first Band Cymru contest semi-final will be broadcast tonight on the S4C channel, featuring Cory, Northop and the Royal Welsh College Big Band.

bAND cYMRU
  The first Band Cymru semi final takes place this evening.

The first of four televised Band Cymru 2018 semi-finals will be shown on the S4C channel at 8.00pm this evening (Sunday 25th March)

Line-up

It features 2014 Band Cymru champion and recently crowned Welsh Regional champion Cory Band alongside the Royal Welsh College Big Band and Northop Silver.

Three further semi-finals will be broadcast each Sunday before the competition culminates with the live broadcast of the Grand Final from Swansea University's Great Hall on 22nd April, where the winning band could walk away with a massive £10,000 first prize.

Four semi-finals

12 wind, jazz and brass bands compete in the four semi-finals, with the identity of the four best bands (not necessarily the winner of each heat) being revealed after the last broadcast. The competition rules meant 2016 champion Tredegar was not allowed to enter the event.

The competition is presented by actor and musician Elin Llwyd and singer Trystan Ellis-Morris, who has a brass banding background in her own youth with Deiniolen Band.

Three further semi-finals will be broadcast each Sunday before the competition culminates with the live broadcast of the Grand Final from Swansea University's Great Hall on 22nd April4BR

Find out more

To watch:

http://beta.s4c.cymru/clic/e_live.shtml

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/guide

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    


RNCM

Research recognition for RNCM

January 8 • The Royal Northern College of Music adds to its established recognition as a leading centre for the advanced study of music performance and composition.


ODBBA

ODBBA confident of capacity turn-out

January 8 • You will need to be quick to make sure you get your entry in for the Oxford & District Brass Band Association Winter Contest.


Geneva Clans

Geneva boost to cross border battle

January 8 • Geneva Instruments has boosted the prize funds for the forthcoming 'Clans vs Counties Contest' in June.


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd