The Welsh contesting season kicks off in Newport this weekend with the 28th Welsh Open Entertainment Championship at the Riverfront Theatre on Sunday 22nd February.
Organised under the auspices of the South Wales Miners' Eisteddfod, the first band takes to the stage at 11.00am, but with good parking facilities nearby you can ensure you can be safely in your seat in plenty of time.
£1,000 first prize
Compere David Hayward will lead the audience through the day as 14 bands battle to claim the £1,000 first prize and lift the impressive Welsh Miners Challenge Cup Trophy.
In addition, there are a host of other prizes, including the 'Most Entertaining Stage Presentation' which will be judges separately by Ryan Watkins. There is also a place to claim at the 2026 Spring Festival Senior Trophy in Birmingham for the highest placed eligible band.
The defending champion is Ebbw Valley Brass conducted by Matthew Rowe, who will look to secure a fourth consecutive victory at the event, whilst they are sure to challenged by the likes of former champions, BTM, Filton Concert and Pontardulais as well as welcome debutants Kidlington and Medway.
Something for everyone
There are programmes based on Icons, Rituals & Spectacle, Airships and Runaways, Concorde, Weathermen, Route 66, a Welsh Legend, Ancient Beats & Modern Vibes, a First World Symphony for Brass Band, an early Sunday morning, The Wizard of Oz, Human Emotions and States and Mind.
Tickets:
£12.00 unreserved (incl booking fee)
https://newportlive.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173672747
Draw:
Start: 11.00am
Adjudicator: Dr Tom Davoren
Entertainment Award: Ryan Watkins
1. Parc & Dare (Dewi Griffiths)
2. Brunel Brass (Daniel Hall)
3. City of Cardiff (M1) (Rob Westacott)
4. Tylorstown (Andrew Jones)
5. Filton Concert Brass (Craig Williams)
6. Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins)
7. B.T.M. (Jeff Hutcherson)
8. Ebbw Valley Brass (Matthew Rowe)
9. Wantage (Chris King)
10. Lydbrook (Lt Col David Barringer)
11. Goodwick Brass (Joshua Ruck)
12. Medway (Alan Gifford)
13. Kidlington Concert Brass (Jonathan Pippen)
14. Forest of Dean Brass (Martyn Patterson)
