*
banner

Cross border entertainment on offer at Welsh Open

14 bands from both sides of Offa's Dyke will battle for the 26th Welsh Open entertainment title in Newport on the weekend.

Welsh Open
  The action at the Riverside starts at 11.00am

The 26th Welsh Open Championship takes place this weekend (Saturday 17th February) with 14 bands competing for a first prize of £1000 and the magnificent CISWO Trophy, as well as the opportunity to be invited to the British Open Spring Festival.

Kick off

It all kicks off at 11.00am at the Riverfront Theatre in Newport, with the first of the bands giving showcasing their programmes for adjudicator Sheona White and a supportive audience. The defending champion is Ebbw Valley.

The day is compered by David Hayward who will provide full details of each programme and all his usual additional bits of information to add to the entertainment.

There are excellent facilities on site, plus easy nearby parking with a great food hall just over the road for those who wish to enjoy some of Newport's culinary delights.

Competing bands:

1. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson)
2. Forest of Dean Brass (Martyn Patterson)
3. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Daniel Hall)
4. Tylorstown (Rob Westacott)

Comfort break

5. Lympstone (Nigel Seaman)
6. Filton Concert Brass (Gary Davies)
7. Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins)
8. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter)
9. Wantage (Chris King)
10. Milton Keynes Brass (Matthew Brown)

Comfort break

11. Llwydcoed (Joshua Ruck)
12. Chapeltown Silver Prize (Colum O'Shea)
13. Tongwynlais Temperance (Owen Farr)
14. Parc & Dare (Dewi Griffiths)

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    


bbe

Progress and challenges reported at BBE AGM

February 16 • The recent Annual General Meeting of Brass Bands England saw reports of consolidation and progress as well as resetting and rebuilding.


Castell Beaumaris

Wright & Round: Castell Beaumaris (Andy Wareham)

February 16 • A new homage addition to the iconic castle marches of the great T.J. Powell from the pen of Andy Wareham.


Italian Brass BAND

New conducting talent supported in Rome

February 16 • The Italian Brass Band continues to help support its emerging brass band culture with its masterclass conducting series.


Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music offers weekend of Youth Brass tuition

February 15 • The RCM Youth Brass weekend will offer youngsters an invaluable opportunity of practical workshops and coaching this April.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Oxted Band

February 17 • CORNET & TROMBONE - Our friendly, ambitious band is looking for a Cornet player (position negotiable) and Trombonists (1st and Bass) to complete our line up for 2026. Led by MD Darrell Scholes, we have a wide range of engagements and events planned.


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 15 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for a Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Tintwistle Band

February 15 • We need a 2nd baritone player to help complete our team. . We are competing in the second section midlands area next month, but due to illness now also need to fill this seat for the contest.. We enjoy a full calendar of concerts,contests,and social events.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd