*
banner

Lewis Merthyr head north to offer vocal help

The Lewis Merthyr Band will head north to the Welsh Regional Championship this weekend with an additional stop off to help one of the nation's most famous choirs...

Lewis
  Brass and Voice continues to be an important part of Welsh cultural and artistic life

Following a recent BBC Wales news article story that the famous Llangollen Male Choir was facing an uncertain future, the Lewis Merthyr Band contacted them to offer help with their revival plans.

Reached out

Conductor Craig Roberts told 4BR: "After reading of the choir's plight, we reached out and invited them to join us in concert. We have always embraced working successfully with choirs (above).

We were delighted when they accepted and we will now travel north to combine our appearance at the Welsh Regional Championships in Wrexham with a great concert the following day with them in Llangollen."

Following the report of the choir's situation, which has echoes of the problems faced by many bands in Wales, a new conductor and accompanist have joined.

It's vital we protect our musical heritage — vocal as well as brassCraig Roberts.

Vital

Craig added: "It's vital we protect our musical heritage — vocal as well as brass. We're delighted to join together on a weekend when there will be spotlight in North Wales on brass banding and help them in their efforts to rejuvenate an essential part of community based artistic life.

Let's hope that a similar resurgence can be witnessed in parts of the banding movement in Wales, and if anyone in the Llangollen or surrounding area might be considering membership of the choir, we would wholeheartedly encourage them to do so."

The Llangollen Choir was formed by six local men in 1981, and rose to perform at venues including the Royal Albert Hall.

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    


whit friday

Report & Results: 2025 Christmas Whit Friday

December 13 • Diggle and Dobcross Youth get an early Christmas prezzie contest bonus on a night of festive fun in Delph.


National Youth Championships

Judges announced for 2026 National Youth Championships

December 11 • Anna Wilby, Christopher Bond, Stephanie Kennedy, Lauren Chinn, Daniel Brooks and Ailsa Russell (above) will be making the decisions at the National Youth Championships next March.


Brass Matters

Podcast: Brass Matters — The Centre of Things Part 1

December 11 • Join John Wallace and friends as they discuss his latest musical project.


rules

Regional Championship borrowing rules confirmed

December 11 • Bands in Sections 1-4 will be able to borrow players to boost their chances of National Championship qualification.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Epping Forest Band

December 14 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd