The City of Cardiff (Mellingrifith) Band will be making its first appearance back at the National Finals in nearly 50 years this weekend.

One of the foremost contest outfits in Wales in the post war period and up to the 1970s as the Melingriffth Band (pictured in 1965 at the contest), they took their last Albert Hall bow in 1972 under the name of their last major sponsor, Excelsior Wire & Rope Works Company.

Rich history

Their rich history has had its ups and downs, but rejuvenation came in the early 1990s, with the organisation (which boasts a number of different ensembles) now rightly regarded as a beacon of excellent community banding.

After qualifying at the Welsh Regional contest in Swansea earlier this year they return to Kensington Gore under the baton of Cory Music Advisor Nigel Seaman, as resident conductor Dewi Griffiths, will be competing as principal cornet of fellow Welsh contenders Tredegar.

Their rich history has had its ups and downs, but rejuvenation came in the early 1990s, with the organisation (which boasts a number of different ensembles) now rightly regarded as a beacon of excellent community banding4BR

Signings

The band has also made a number of significant signings to boost their challenge, with Cerys Hughes, principal flugel horn for the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and a student at the RWCMD in Cardiff, joining the cornet bench.

Joshua McNiven, who is currently studying for his Masters in performance at the RWMCD will be flying the American flag alongside the Welsh Dragon as he proudly hails from Florida, whilst the vastly experienced Rob Nesbitt comes in on flugel.