*
banner

Limit on demand for Welsh Open

Increased popularity means that there will be a 14 band limit on entries for the 2025 Welsh Open.

welsh open
  The contest takes place at the Riverfront Theatre in Newport

The Welsh Open Championship has announced that the field for its 2025 contest which will take place in Newport on 15th February 2025 will be limited to 14 bands.

Now in its 27th year, the popularity of the cross-border entertainment event, with its qualification link to the British Open Spring Festival is such that a reserve list will be put in place. Entries will be accepted from Monday 23rd September.

Over subscribed

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are in the fortunate position that we are oversubscribed each year thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and associates and the link the British Open Spring Festival.

The venue at the Riverfront Theatre in Newport with its excellent facilities and short walking distance to centre of the town also enhances the day for all involved. We look forward to welcoming bands from all parts of the UK if they want to be part of a great event."

The organisers confirmed that the adjudicator for 2025 will be Dr Brett Baker.

Contact:

The contest is open to all nationally graded Championship and First Section bands. First prize is £1,000 alongside the magnificent South Wales Miners Challenge Cup.

With additional prizes and the qualification link to the British Open Spring Festival, bands are requested to contact Contest Organiser, Dean Evans at: contestcontroller.welshopen@gmail.com

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    


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Fulham and Crystal Palace claim the titles on the first day at Stevenage.


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd