*
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    


Willebroek

World Rankings: September 2026

October 1 • Brass Band Willebroek makes history, claiming top spot in 4barsrest World Rankings after double runner-up finishes at World Championships and British Open.


wOBPLAY

Albert Hall performances to be recorded by World of Brass

September 30 • All the performances from the National Final at the Royal Albert Hall will be audio recorded by World of Brass and made available on wobplay after the results.


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert announces adjudication panels

September 30 • The judges that will make the decisions at the 49th Brass in Concert Championships have been announced.


4BR podcast

4BR Podcast: Live National Championship Preview

September 30 • Join us on Thursday night for the the 4BR preview of the event and the issues that surround it.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - BoneVoyage Trombone Quartet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Foden's Band

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Ashington Colliery Band

September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd