*
banner

12 bands set to battle for Welsh Open title

A dozen bands from both sides of the River Severn will head to Porthcawl for the Welsh Open in February.

Filton
  Filton Concert Band will be looking to make it a hat-trick of wins in Porthcawl.

12 bands will compete for the 23rd Welsh Open Brass Band Entertainment Championship title on Saturday 15th February.

It has become the traditional competition opener of the contest season in Wales and attracts a packed audience to the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl.

Defending champion Filton Concert will be looking to make it a hat-trick of victories — and a fourth in the last five years to take the impressive CISWO Challenge Trophy back across the River Severn to Bristol.

Adjudicator

To do that they will have to impress adjudicator Paul Holland, whilst the separate entertainment prize will be judges by respected local brass band journalist, David Francis. The compere is the popular David Hayward.

The contest will be held at the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl, starting at 11.00am

Competing bands:

Brunel Brass (Daniel Hall)
BTM (Jeff Hutcherson)
Burry Port Town (Ceri John)
City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Christopher Bond)
Enderby (Ryan Richards)
Filton Concert (Lewis Wilkinson)
Forest of Dean Brass (Stephen Sykes)
Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)
Jackfield (David Maplestone)
Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts)
Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins)
Tylorstown (Gary Davies)

Tickets

Spectator tickets can be purchased either in advance or on the day in person from the Grand Pavilion Box Office on 01656 815995 or online at: https://grandpavilion.ticketsolve.com/shows

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    


Heaton

Heaton CD gains critical acclaim

January 19 • The final recording element of Paul Hindmarsh's extensive research into the work and music of Wilfred Heaton gains praise from influential review website.


Oliver Waespi

Composition focus for Waespi

January 18 • New works and performances with a banding link kick start 2026 for Swiss composer.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band enhances profile to Rome banding public

January 18 • The Italian Brass Band continues to provide an increasingly popular profile in the Eternal City.


Purcell School

Purcell School to introduce new industry pathway qualification

January 18 • The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries will help students gain the experience and qualification to succeed in professional careers.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band

January 20 • Sadly due to relocation, we’re on the lookout for a euphonium player to join the band and compete with us in the first section areas at the end of March.


Flookburgh band

January 20 • Flookburgh band are a friendly motivated band in the south lakes, Cumbria . We have a vacancy for trombone/ bass trombone. We are newly promoted to the 2nd section and have a busy season of engagements ahead.


Crewe Brass

January 20 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd