One of Welsh banding's stalwart organisations is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year with a special concert in its hometown on Saturday 13th June.

Pontardulais Town Band — universally known as 'The Bont', was originally formed in 1885 as a teetotal 'Rechabite' organisation and performed locally up until the outbreak of the Second World War.

However, due to many of its members being called up for active service, it reluctantly closed its doors, but returned in 1946, becoming an ever present in the Welsh contesting scene and becoming an integral part of the cultural life of the town.

Although the band has never claimed a top section Welsh title, they have led the way on the National stage — becoming Third Section Champions of Great Britain in 1955, repeating the feat the following year in the Second Section.

In the years that followed under the likes of C Brian Buckley they claimed numerous Welsh honours too, securing Welsh National Eisteddfod and Regional Championships titles — from Fourth to First Section along the way.

Resurgence

Their latest resurgence has come under the baton of Paul Jenkins who has been at the helm since 2006 and now directs a band that won the Welsh Open in 2022 and now competes at the British Open Senior Trophy.

The next 80 years is also being planned out too with thriving youth and learner groups as part of their Brass@Bont Academy which was launched in 2022.

Pride

A spokesperson told 4BR "There has been a proud musical connection to our town for over 150 years, but since 1946 we have been ever present.

The concert will celebrate that history as well as look to the future — one which we have been proactive in securing through our long term investment in youth.

We hope as many people come and join us for what promises to be a great night of music making, plenty of nostalgia and a sense of the community we are proud to represent."

Concert:

80th Anniversary Concert
Saturday 13th June (6.00pm)
Pontardulais Sports Hall
SA48PD