The contest schedules and entry forms for 2020 Welsh Open Championship are now available for bands wishing to take part in this popular entertainment event.

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

Successful contest day

With a generous prize fund, excellent organisation and a packed audience at the Pavillion Theatre in Porthcawl, it promises to be another highly successful contest day on Saturday 15th 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 a wonderful opportunity for a band to secure a Senior Trophy invite to the Spring Festival — just three steps away from competing at the most prestigious brass band contest in the world.

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 Trophy4BR

British Open link

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 successfully defended the title last year under the baton of Tom Davoren to make it three wins in four years.

Find out more

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