There are just three places left to be filled for the traditional curtain raiser of the new contest year in Wales.

The cross-border Welsh Open takes place at Porthcawl's Grand Pavilion on Saturday 16th February, and has already attracted a dozen bands from both sides of the River Severn.

The defending champion is Filton Concert Brass who claimed the title for the second time in three years in 2018, and with the added attraction of the highest placed qualifying band getting an invitation to compete at the British Open Spring Festival, a contest spokesperson told 4BR that they are delighted with the initial response.

Attractive

"The Welsh Open is an attractive way for bands to start their new season. There is a large and welcoming audience, excellent facilities and a generous prize pot — with £1,000 to the winner and the magnificent CISWO Trophy and that extra incentive for ambitious bands to take a step closer to what could eventually see them competing at the British Open."

The organisers confirmed that the line-up will include bands from Wales, the South East, Midlands, Scotland, West of England and Yorkshire — whilst all will be keen to impress adjudicator Philip Harper — a man who knows just what it takes to win high profile entertainment contests.

with £1,000 to the winner and the magnificent CISWO Trophy and that extra incentive for ambitious bands to take a step closer to what could eventually see them competing at the British Opencontest organisers

Entry packs

The contest is open to all nationally graded Championship and First Section bands.

Entry packs are available from Contest Organiser, Dean Evans at: contestcontroller.welshopen@gmail.com

Closing date for entries Saturday 5th January 2019