The South Wales Youth Band is putting the final touches to its forthcoming appearance at the European Championships in Malmo — where they will add to a strong representation from Wales in both the senior and youth events.
After proudly representing the nation at the 2022 European Youth Championships in Birmingham the band's management team were determined to enable the youngsters to experience the event further afield, and almost immediately started to prepare for their trip to Sweden.
£30,000
The size of the task — which included raising close on £30,000 to meet the travel and accommodation expenses involved — did not deter them, and with just a few days to go 4BR has been told that thanks to the incredible fund raising efforts, the initial cost per player of £570 has been reduced hugely.
Enjoy again
Band spokesperson Angela Westacott told 4BR: "Birmingham was a turning point for us all and an experience we wanted the youngsters to enjoy again. The sense of achievement and enjoyment in being part of the European Championships was amazing.
The challenges have been huge — not just the financial ones, but thanks to the amazing support of families and friends, businesses, and successful grant applications we have made it. We will now be able to fly the Welsh flag proudly alongside Cory and Tredegar."
The fund raising saw the band link up with Tredegar to give the young players masterclass help and enjoy a joint concert appearance, whilst there have been race nights and quizzes, sponsored virtual cycle rides, sales and raffles, all of which have added substantially to the funds.
The Welsh banding community has been fantastic at events such as the Welsh Open and Regional ChampionshipsSouth Wales Youth Band
Fantastic support
Angela added: "The Welsh banding community has been fantastic at events such as the Welsh Open and Regional Championships. We have also been helped by the Ty Cerdd Arts organisation with our music which has included a new commission from Christopher Bond — so everyone has helped to get us there."
