The contest schedules and entry forms for 2019 Welsh Open Championship are now available for bands wishing to take part in the popular entertainment contest.

First held in 1998, it has become the traditional contest season opener for Welsh banding, although the contest itself is now sees bands from all over the UK take part.

Spring Festival

This is due to its generous prize fund, excellent organisation and link to the British Open Spring Festival, which enables the highest placed qualifying band to gain an invitation to compete at the Senior Trophy in Blackpool later in the year.

There is also a packed and knowledgeable audience at the Pavillion Theatre in Porthcawl to enjoy the music making, so it promises to be another highly successful contest day on Saturday 16th February.

The contest is open to all nationally graded Championship and First Section bands, with a first prize of £1,000 up for grabs alongside the magnificent CISWO Challenge Trophy and that opportunity to secure a Senior Trophy invite to the Spring Festival — just three steps away from competing at the British Open itself.

The contest is open to all nationally graded Championship and First Section bands, with a first prize of £1,000 up for grabs alongside the magnificent CISWO Challenge Trophy and that opportunity to secure a Senior Trophy invite4BR

Qualification ladder

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are very grateful to Martin and Karyn Mortimer for allowing our contest to continue to be part of the qualification ladder, which shows that the British Open continues to reach out to ambitious bands."

The defending champion is Filton Concert, who re-claimed the title last year under the baton of Tom Davoren.

Entry forms

Schedules and entry forms are now available from Contest Organiser, Dean Evans at: contestcontroller.welshopen@gmail.com