2018 Band Cymru finalists revealed

The televised Band Cymru final will be between Brass Beaumaris, BTM, Cory and Northop as judges pick their best four to battle for a potential £10,000 first prize.

The four bands that will compete for the live televised Band Cymru 2018 title have been revealed following the fourth semi-final broadcast on the Welsh language S4C channel on the weekend.

Four best

Despite the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Brass Band and Tongwynlais Temperance winning their semi-final broadcasts, the competition rules saw judges Michael Mossman, Gordon Campbell and Wyn Davies select Cory Band and Northop Silver from the first semi final and Brass Beaumaris and BTM Band from the third to fight it out for the accumulated £8,000 top prize.

These bands could still top that up to a potential £10,000, as for the first time there is an additional £2,000 prize up for grabs for the best stage presentation of a single piece, whilst the competition's 'Best Soloist' will win £500.

The bands were told with surprise visits to their rehearsals last week and asked to keep the decision secret until after the last semi-final broadcast.

The final will be shown live on S4C on Sunday 22nd April at 7.00pm from Swansea University's Great Hall.

Youth finalists

Four bands have also been selected for the youth competition, Band Ieuenctid Cymru, also to be held at Swansea University and broadcast live on S4C on Saturday, 21st April.

Band Jazz Tryfan, Cardiff & Vale Music Service Jazz Orchestra, Torfaen Youth Big Band and the Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band will compete for the youth title and the prize of £1,000.

Good viewing figures

Band Cymru has returned this year following the success of the competitions held in 2014 and 2016 with the programme once again receiving widespread critical acclaim and good viewing figures.

Looking forward to the final, judge Wyn Davies told 4BR: "We've seen Wales punch about its weight with brass instruments, and perhaps that's been a bit of a secret until now, but following the Band Cymru 2018 final, it will be a secret no more!"

Swansea University is also looking forward to hosting the competition for the first time, with Senior Vice-Chancellor, Professor Iwan Davies telling 4BR: "We are very pleased to welcome the Final of Band Cymru to the Great Hall which was opened two years ago, and has already hosted a number of prestigious events."

Never disappoints

Elen Rhys, S4C Entertainment Content Commissioner added: "This competition never disappoints. We've already experienced incredible performances in the semi-finals and there is much more to come from these four talented bands.

We're ready for a show, and good luck to them all!"

Band Cymru has returned this year following the success of the competitions held in 2014 and 2016 with the programme once again receiving widespread critical acclaim and good viewing figures4BR