Despite only 35 bands taking to the Brangwyn Hall stage in Swansea, there were still reasons for optimism when assessing potential title winning Welsh representation at the National Finals later this year.

That was certainly the case with Championship Section victors Cory, as well as Parc & Dare, Markham & District, City of Cardiff (M2) and Gwaun Cae Gurwen. They would have arguably picked up silverware in any other region with their performances, whilst fellow qualifiers in Tredegar, Abertillery Town and Cwmtawe provided substantive evidence of their prize-list credentials.

However, even blessed with welcome fine weather, darker clouds still loom.

Financially the Welsh Area contest is struggling — even with an increase in supporter footfall, encouraging 100% increase in Fourth Section entries and a cameo concert from the South Wales Youth Band.

Public concerns

Those concerns were also made public by an impassioned Regional Chairperson Julian Jones, who made the telling point that the contest itself is only surviving through the personal generosity of Regional Secretary and Kapitol Promotions director Philip Morris.

His commitment to Welsh banding is second to none. It is the real prospect of a future 'none' though (especially if additional volunteer help is not forthcoming) which looms over an event that in retrospect could have been undertaken in one day at a venue that offered facilities more in line with the competitor's musical and logistical needs.

Superlative Cory

That will continue to be debated, as will the imposing return to major title-winning form of Cory.

They regained possession of the People Challenge Trophy, as well as a clean sweep of the instrumental and solo awards, with an 'Elgar Variations' described by judges Stephen Roberts and Dr Stephen Cobb in their written remarks as "superlative" from "a wonderful reading" by their MD.

Few would have disagreed, as Philip Harper crafted a performance (off the number 1 draw) that as Stephen Roberts also remarked, was "going to be tough to beat" in its classy swagger and fluidity, technical assuredness and embedded ensemble and solo quality.

Clear winner

Before the announcement of the results, Stephen also spoke of Welsh lyricism and refinement alongside stylistic character, transitional control and the ability "not to overdo things".

All applied to Philip Harper's approach to a score that came to life under his baton.
Dr Stephen Cobb also told 4BR that it had been "a clear winner", as Cory players responded superbly to their MDs directions — led by 'Best Cornet' award winner Hannah Plumridge, 'Best Instrumentalist' Brett Baker and their stentorian 'Best Basses'.

Others also caught the ear, notably their sparkling soprano Carys Wood and a percussion team that added subtle texture and effect.

Satisfaction

Even the prospect of now having to find the money to head to Montreux in 2027 for the European Championships came as a welcome bonus, with the MD telling 4BR that he was "immensely proud" of his players, especially as the band had undergone a well-documented period of transition of late.

The smile he wore when receiving the 'Winning Conductor Trophy' from composer Martin Ellerby also spoke of deep personal satisfaction. The plaudits that came with it were as richly deserved too.

Lean Tredegar

With just the two Albert Hall qualification places on offer, there was an extra sense of anticipation about the contest, especially as the two heavyweights of Cory and Tredegar were drawn together.

Once again it made for fascinating listening as Ian Porthouse's leanly weighted approach offered an enticing contrast of stylistic characterisation. There was a reserve that had a clear sense of intrinsic control, although for the judges it lacked the sense of grandeur and majesty they found in Cory to open, whilst a couple of minor errors blemished the portraiture.

It was fine defence, but one that for the judges was both a defined margin behind their rival as well comfortably ahead of third placed Ebbw Valley.

Solid Ebbw

They in turn further enhanced the solidity of their top-level credentials. MD Matthew Rowe curated a vibrantly infused account that despite losing some ensemble cohesion and tonal balance, also showcased fine soloists — notably their solo euphonium. They now look towards the Grand Shield where they will certainly offer an equally strong challenge.

Conducting experience was used to fine effect with City of Cardiff (Melingriffith), as they finished fourth thanks to David Roberts' informed appreciation of the score and some classy solo leads, whilst the vibrant challenge of Northop Silver pipped somewhat inconsistent accounts from Tongwynlais Temperance and BTM.

First Section:

There was an equally impressive victory in the First Section for a Rhondda band enjoying a marked contesting resurgence.

Parc & Dare presented Dr Stephen Cobb and Stephen Roberts with a 'Variations on 'Was Lebet'' that combined technical proficiency and stylistic contrast embossed with ensemble and solo confidence to take the title.

MD Dewi Griffiths also ensured that it never lost its essential tempo and dynamic tethering — the control allowing the stylistic variants to be played with effective subtlety.

Impressive Parc

Both judges called it "an impressive performance" in their written remarks, whilst prior to the results they further endorsed their findings by revealing that there had been, "one band that really stood out"in what had been six "very different interpretations". Dr Cobb pinpointed the differences required in each of the variations, whilst Stephen Roberts, in endorsing his colleague, touched on the "simple but hard"stylistic nuances.

For the winning MD, the success added to a growing acclaim as a conductor (he received the Brian Buckley Memorial Trophy as winning MD), the victory his fourth in the past year with Parc & Dare as they now look towards the defence of their ConsTest title and Senior Trophy appearances in Birmingham.

Birmingham focus

He later told 4BR: "I'm thrilled for the players. They're eager and enthusiastic and give me everything on stage. This was a such a tricky piece though and has improved us as a band. Plenty to celebrate for now but the next focus is already on those contest trips to Birmingham."

For the band, victory came with the added bonus of a return to the Championship Section in 2027. "A huge milestone for us" they said before adding, "onwards and upwards." It is going to be interesting to see just how far that will take them in the coming months.

Bont rejuvenation

With only the six competitors, it meant that a very good performance from Pontardulais Town missed out on a trip to York.

However, MD Paul Jenkins will temper any disappointment with the fact that this was a timely rejuvenation of his 'Bont' band that he has been at the helm of since 2006. They will be looking forward to their Senior Trophy appearance in Birmingham in May with renewed confidence.

The final podium place went to Tylorstown, aided by the outstanding contribution of 'Best Instrumentalist' Natalie Gibson on horn, whilst a boldly portrayed account from Beaumaris found favour in the hall but not in the box to end fourth, ahead of inconsistent renditions from Lewis Merthyr and Usk.

Second Section:

Another South Wales band that showed impressive signs of a return to extended winning form was Markham & District, who secured a first Welsh Area title in 42 years.

Since that last win, the band that was once a strong top section presence before the Miners' Strike of the 1980s, has endured both ups and down in contesting fortune, but the arrival of Gary Davies in 2024 has seen them increasingly make their mark at this level.

Little argument

Here they did it in fine style, with Philip Harper's '20,000 Leagues under the Sea' delivered in a way that brokered little argument from rivals to its title winning authenticity. Oddly, given the aquatic inspiration, they said victory it left them on 'Cloud Nine' — but you knew just what they meant.

Dr Robert Childs and Martin Heartfield were left in no doubt in the box either: "An excellent performance. So much detail and always musical", wrote Bob, whilst Martin praised both its sense of "drama and control".

In his pre-results address, Martin (who has now judged 27 performances around the country) gave a detailed analysis of what he called "a challenging but rewarding piece" that required bands to work on its "inner detail, unusual musical shaping, heavily layered scoring and dynamic range".

It also explained why those that opted for excitement but in doing so lost a little of that essential dynamic control, found themselves out of the prizes.

Two clear

Bob also agreed that there were "two clear at the top", although all the performances "were quite close in interpretation". He later told 4BR: "The winner had a real maturity. We could hear all that inner detailing even in the hall's lively acoustic."

That was the hallmark of Markham's triumph; a warm, balanced ensemble sound, technical security and fine soloists (led by their 'Best Instrumentalist' winner, Phil Lucas on euphonium) all curated with musical insight and contesting know-how by an experienced MD.

Ambitions

Later, Gary told 4BR: "Since coming to the band there's been fantastic commitment and real enthusiasm to what we all want to achieve. The players share my ambitions, and this was the result. I didn't know it was such a long time since they last won here, but I hope there are more victories to come."

Joining them in York will be Abertillery, as their colourful account under Lee Blankley just pipped their old Gwent rivals Crosskeys Silver, whose award winning percussion section added greatly to the aquatic texturing of Dave Collins' take on the score.

There was also a great deal to enjoy with the other performances, with solidly portrayed accounts from Newport Borough, Ammanford Town and Royal Buckley filling the remaining top-six places.

Third Section:

The Welsh have an informed appreciation of literary inspiration, although it must be said few of its own female writers have made such a worldwide impression as the Bronte sisters.

That said, it would be great (and perhaps more risqué) to hear a brass band work based on the poems of Elen Egryn or books of Ethel Lina White, who wrote 'The Wheel Spins' on which Alfred Hitchcock's film 'The Lady Vanishes' was based, or Sarah Waters who brought us 'Tipping the Velvet'.

Evocative Cardiff

The eight bands here certainly enjoyed exploring the evocative atmospheres of Gordon Langford's 'Three Haworth Impressions'; the opening movement every bit as 'Bible Black' as anything Dylan Thomas could conjure up.

There have also been enough references to church bells and railways in Welsh literature too, so little surprise that the best accounts captured the sense of descriptive portraiture Langford so skilfully engineered into his score.

Conductor Andrew Wilson-Dickson for one brought the essential elements together in what was a substantive winning account from City of Cardiff (M2) in securing a first title success in Swansea since winning the Fourth Section in 2011.

On that occasion they went on to win the National title, and on the evidence of the quality appreciated by judges Dr Robert Childs and Martin Heartfield, they will head north in September a very confident band.

"So much to enjoy in a very musically shaped performance," Martin wrote in his summing up, whilst Bob called it "well graded — nothing overdone", adding that it featured "lots of detail, great soloists" and "excellent percussion".

Look past notes

Their pre-results remarks backed their immediate findings on a piece that Martin said "was really enjoyable to play but had so many pitfalls", whilst Bob emphasised that at this level there was also a need "to look past the notes" and to "explore the style".

He added that the "top two really did that", although Martin added each of the eight competitors "had something to show in the piece".

Super sub

Success for the winners came with thanks to their MD, a late substitute as regular MD John Murray was recovering in hospital following illness.

Speaking to 4BR after the results the band stated: "We hope the win gives John a great boost as we look forward to seeing him back soon. Our thanks though go to Andrew, who usually plays bass for us, but stepped in and did a brilliant job. We've been very fortunate to such a fine musician in the ranks willing to help."

In addition to their trip to York, City of Cardiff will also be promoted to the Second Section in 2027.

Confident Cwmtawe

Equally delighted were supporters of Cwmtawe. They returned to the National Final for the first time since 2022 after a confident account under Wayne Pedrick that also captured the wind swept atmosphere of the opening, the light waltz feel of the 'Three Bells' central section, and the chuffing exertion of the 'Worth Valley Railway' finale.

It meant that it pipped a well worked account from Ynyshir (aided by their excellent 'Best Instrumentalist' cornet player Jonathan Meads), with the remaining top-six places going to Briton Ferry, Newtown Silver and Mid Rhondda.

Fourth Section:

Although the competitive foundation of Welsh banding remains fragile, it was heartening to see six bands take to the stage — a 100% increase from 12 months previously.

With that in mind it was also interesting to hear adjudicator Dr Robert Childs take the opportunity to state that it would have been "great to have seen them perform" after he and Martin Heartfield had heard "the brilliant support of families" after the bands had played.

No difference

Whatever people's thoughts are on closed adjudication at higher levels of competition, few would argue that it now a necessary requirement in the Fourth Section. It would have made no difference to the result here (or anywhere around the country for that matter).

Gwaun Cae Gurwen were well deserved victors. One of Welsh banding's most famous names, they were the first top section Area winners in 1945. They have survived many challenges since, but under young MD Alex Parker they are once again on an upward trajectory — this their first Area victory and qualification since 2019.

His informed approach to 'Indian Summer' had a mature appreciation of the "deceptive but musical style" to go with the solid banding basics that both Bob and Martin spoke clearly about in their pre-results addresses.

Super show

Their written remarks further endorsed that. "A very controlled and stylish performance" wrote Bob, whilst Martin called it "a super show — good quality sounds all round — always musical".

One of the key elements to their success (and now promotion to the Third Section in 2027) was their 'Best Instrumentalist', euphonium player Dafydd Lewis, who has also been a youthful stalwart of the band over recent years.

On taking hold of the silverware he echoed the band's feelings on Facebook a few hours later, which simply said: "Still riding high!" although they also pointed out that their fund raising efforts to get to York had already started.

Heartening sight

It was the sight of five other bands on stage however that was equally as uplifting for Welsh banding spirits though — led by Royal Oakeley Silver who came within a hairsbreadth of claiming the title for the second time since 2023 with a boldly portrayed account under Paul Wilson.

Behind them Blaenavon Town and Oakdale provided further evidence of their solid progress under their experienced MDs Alun Williams and Adrian Browning, whilst it was fantastic to see debutants Cambrian Brass and Brass@Bont in performance.

Both were a little short in numbers, but brilliantly led, and packed with enthusiasm from players of all ages they produced a brace of super shows for everyone in the hall (with the exception of the judges) to witness in sight and sound.
Iwan Fox

They regained possession of the People Challenge Trophy, as well as a clean sweep of the instrumental and solo awards, with an 'Elgar Variations' described by the judges as "superlative" from "a wonderful reading" by their MD4BR

Results:

Championship Section:

Test Piece: Elgar Variations (Martin Ellerby)
Adjudicators: Dr Stephen Cobb; Stephen Roberts

1. Cory (Philip Harper)**
2. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)*
3. Ebbw Valley (Matthew Rowe)
4. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1 (David Roberts)
5. Northop Silver (Thomas Wyss)
6. Tongwynlais Temperance (Owen Farr)
7. BTM (Richard Marshall)

* Qualify for National Final
** Cory will also represent Wales at the 2027 European Championships in Montreux

Best Instrumentalist: Brett Baker (trombone) — Cory
Best Cornet Player: Hannah Plumridge (Cory)
Best Bass Section: Cory

First Section:

Test Piece: Variations on 'Was Lebet' (Andrew Wainwright)
Adjudicators: Dr Stephen Cobb; Stephen Roberts

1. Parc & Dare (Dewi Griffiths)*
2. Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins)
3. Tylorstown (Andrew Jones)
4. Beaumaris (Bari Gwilliam)
5. Lewis Merthyr (Carl Saunders)
6. Usk (James Jones)

*Qualify for National Final

Brian Buckley Memorial Award to Winning Conductor: Dewi Griffiths
Best Instrumentalist: Natalie Gibson (horn) — Tylorstown

Second Section:

Test Piece: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (Philip Harper)
Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs; Martin Heartfield

1. Markham & District (Gary Davies)*
2. Abertillery Town (Lee Blankley)*
3. Crosskeys Silver (Dave Collins)
4. Newport Borough (Martin McHale)
5. Ammanford Town Silver (Glyn Rhys Davies)
6. Royal Buckley Town (Keith Jones)
7. Abergavenny Borough (Lana Tingay)
8. City of Wrexham (Matt Ryan)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Instrumentalist: Phil Lucas (euphonium) — Markham & District
Best Percussion: Crosskeys Silver

Withdrew: Crwbin

Third Section:

Test Piece: Three Haworth Impressions (Gordon Langford)
Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs; Martin Heartfield

1. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) 2 (Andrew Wilson-Dickson)*
2. Cwmtawe (Wayne Pedrick)*
3. Ynyshir (Robert Burnett)
4. Briton Ferry Silver (Jeff Pearce)
5. Newtown Silver (Alan Phillips)
6. Mid Rhondda (Adrian Morton)
7. Severn Tunnel (Louis Thomas)
8. Penclawdd (Alan Bourne)

Withdrew: Holywell

* Qualify for National Final

Best Instrumentalist: Jonathan Mead (cornet) — Ynyshir

Fourth Section:

Test Piece: Indian Summer (Eric Ball)
Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs; Martin Heartfield

1. Gwaun Cae Gurwen (Alex Parker)*
2. Royal Oakeley Silver (Aled Williams)
3. Blaenavon Town (Alun Williams)
4. Oakdale Silver (Adrian Browning)
5. Cambrian (Matthew Ruel)
6. Brass@Bont (Alison Gent)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Instrumentalist: Dafydd Lewis (euphonium) — Gwaun Cae Gurwen