*
banner

Welsh Open entertainment draw

13 bands will line-up with their entertainment packages in Newport on Saturday, with the draw now released.

Welsh Open
  The event kicks off on Saturday in Newport at 1.00am

There will be a great day of brass band entertainment on offer in Newport on Saturday 15th February as 13 bands take to the stage (first band on stage at 11.00am) at the Riverfront Theatre for the 27th Welsh Open Championship.

The draw has now been made (see below).

Cross border

The cross-border event heralds the start of the contesting season in Wales, with the bands competing for not only the magnificent Welsh Miners Challenge Cup and £1,000 first prize, but also a host of other awards.

Spring Festival

This includes a place at the 2025 British Open Spring Festival Senior Trophy for the highest placed qualifying band.

The defending champion is Ebbw Valley who will be looking to claim a hat-trick of victories this year.

The adjudicator is Dr Brett Baker.
Trainee/Entertainment adjudicator: Tommy Tynan

Tickets are £11.50 unreserved (incl booking fee)
https://newportlive.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656605

Draw:

1. Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins)
2. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts)
3. Goodwick Brass (Joshua Ruck)
4. Ebbw Valley Brass (Matt Rowe)

Comfort Break

5. Tylorstown (Rob Westacott)
6. City of Bristol (Craig Roberts)
7. Brunel Brass (Daniel Hall)
8. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (David Hamilton)
9. B.T.M. (Jeff Hutcherson)
10. Forest of Dean Brass (Martyn Patterson)

Comfort Break

11. Wantage (Chris King)
12. Parc & Dare (Dewi Griffiths)
13. Jackfield (Ryan Richards)

Contest starts at 11.00am
Adjudicator: Dr L Brett Baker
Trainee / Entertainment Adjudicator Tommy Tynan
Tickets are £11.50 unreserved (incl booking fee)
https://newportlive.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656605

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    


McDonnell

McDonnell highlights risks of losing BBE gold standard BOPA

October 17 • Labour MP John McDonnell has written of the need for the Department of Education to reconsider its decision to end Brass Bands England BOPA provision in April next year.


nATIONAL yOUTH cHAMPS

New opportunities and roles to play at Youth Championships

October 17 • From volunteer helpers to photographers, presenters and judges — Brass Bands England puts the call to be part of the 2027 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.


Espen Westbye

Westbye returns to take up residency in Stavanger

October 17 • Espen Westbye will join forces with David Morton at Stavanger as he returns as Resident Conductor ahead of Siddis challenge.


Tredegar Hall

Tredegar reconnect with Dance partner

October 17 • Dr Matthew Hall has returned to his role as Composer in Residence with Tredegar Band


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Front Row Cornet player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb Bass player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb Bass player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd