The pioneering Penclawdd Junior Band has won its way onto a national voting shortlist to hopefully win a share of a £1 million prize pot.

Persimmon Homes 'Building Futures' Awards is being delivered through the Persimmon Charitable Foundation, which last year donated £620,000 to support children's sport.

A total of 128 grants of £1,000 have already been awarded to groups supporting sport, education, the arts and health across the country.

£100,000

One initiative from each category will go on to win £100,000 each through a national award scheme to be decided by a public vote. In addition there will be podium prizes of £50,000 and £20,000 in each sector, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.

Online voting opened on July 23rd and will close at midnight on September 27th, with people able to vote for their choices

Get behind us

Penclawdd Band Chairman and conductor, Richard Phillips MBE told 4BR: "It's a huge achievement to have been selected as a regional finalist, but now we really need people to get behind us and get voting so that we are in the strongest possible position to earn one of the top three cash awards on the night."

It's already been a hugely successful 2019 for the juniors, having gained Gold Awards at the West Wales Brass Band Association Solo & Ensemble Competitions, being invited to perform at the second 'Horton Hullabaloo' on the Gower and performing in an acclaimed concert in Port Eynon — with music ranging from Madness to Rag & Bone Man.

now we really need people to get behind us and get voting so that we are in the strongest possible position to earn one of the top three cash awards on the nightChairman, Richard PhiLlips MBE

Local youngsters

The Junior Band was re-established around nine years ago to continue a stream of local youngsters into the Penclawdd Band. Such has been the success that the senior band now has a number of its players in its ranks with two youngsters also making it to the ranks of this year's National Youth Brass Band of Wales.

Richard added: "With the news that we've been selected as a finalist we're hoping the future will be even more successful.

We'd like to put our potential winnings toward upgrading the facilities in our band room so the next generations of brass players from Penclwadd and the surrounding area can benefit from a modern facility that will serve the community for years to come. The more we win the more we'll be able to do!"

Vote

To help the band, go to https://www.persimmonhomes.com/building-futures/finalists and scroll down to select Penclawdd Junior Band.