Welsh banding has formally adopted the formation of a new representative body that will seek to support, develop and promote the movement at all levels in every part of the nation.

Bandiau Pres Cymru | Brass Bands Wales will now work with existing banding structures and organisations, as well as forge links with the arts and education sectors to provide a foundation on which long term sustainability and growth can be based.

Presentations on Advocacy & Engagement, Membership Development, Youth Development, Artistic Development and Funding & Governance were made by members of the initial steering group at an open zoom forum attended online by nearly 60 people on the weekend.

Agreement

Agreement was then reached on the structure of the organisation, which will initially comprise 10 individuals with widespread experience in each of the fields discussed.

Christopher Bond, Graham Howe, Alexandria James, Andrew Jones, Sion Rhys Jones, Heather Powell, Gareth Ritter, Craig Roberts, Christopher Turner and Chris Williams will now meet to implement the formal structures to get the body up and running as soon as possible.

Watershed moment

Speaking to 4BR, Andrew Jones said he hoped this would be a watershed moment for Welsh banding, especially at a time when the movement is facing the most severe of challenges.

"It has been heartening to see the determination from people to establish an organisation that can help lead Welsh banding into a sustainable long term future.

Now that agreement has been reached, the formal structures will be put in place over the next few weeks.

Bandiau Pres Cymru/Brass Bands Wales will work tirelessly with existing banding structures and organisations to represent their interests locally, nationally and internationally. This is a collective approach, working togetherspokesperson

Working together

He added: "We can assure everyone that Bandiau Pres Cymru/Brass Bands Wales will work tirelessly with existing banding structures and organisations to represent their interests locally, nationally and internationally. This is a collective approach, working together.

We now hope individuals, bands, organisations and businesses will want to be part of what we want to achieve."

4BR was informed that further details will be announced following the first formal meeting of the organisation this week.