*
banner

Point of return

The Point of Ayr Band, which last competed at the Welsh Regional Championships in 2001 is set to make a remarkable return this year.

 

After seven year in which they have been down to a handful of stalwart players keeping the band alive they have made a Lazarus like return to health and are set to make their first contesting appearance since last competing at the Pontins Championships in 2001 under Thomas Wyss.

Last reunion

After their last annual reunion at Pontins in 2007 a final decision was made to try and get the band back together once and for all and with tremendous fortitude and plenty of arm twisting to get old players to get their lips back into shape they will make their long overdue appearance at Swansea playing in the Second Section.

We are just so pleased to be able to return to contesting. The buzz around the bandroom is great and the special atmosphere that made Point such an enjoyable place to play has returnedDave Roberts

Conductor

Peter Christian, the former baritone player with Black Dyke and Leyland Bands will conduct and the band report a fantastic atmosphere in the bandroom at Ffynongroew near Prestatyn in North Wales as former players have met up once more.

Buzz

Dave Roberts from the band told 4BR that it would be a day to remember for everyone: “We are just so pleased to be able to return to contesting. The buzz around the bandroom is great and the special atmosphere that made Point such an enjoyable place to play has returned. Some of us are taking a while to get lips back into shape, but this is more about getting the band back into shape and planning for the future.”

Success

Over the years Point of Ayr was one of the Principality’s most successful bands, especially in the late 1990s when they twice took the Welsh title in 1997 and 1999 and went on to come third at that year’s European Championships.

Dave told 4BR that the future now looks bright for the band with plans to run a youth band. After a point of no return, it seems there is definitely a point of welcome return at last.

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    


British Open

British Open ticket sale dates announced

April 18 • Tickets for the 171st British Open at Symphony Hall will go on sale from 15th May.


Denis Wick

Heros mouthpieces now available at euphoniumstore

April 18 • The trio of acclaimed Heros euphonium mouthpieces are now available through Steven Mead's euphoniumstore.net


RNCMOpera

RNCM launches trio of creative partnerships

April 18 • Students will be able to access schemes in opera, contemporary performance and classical music production and presenting thanks to new partnership links.


Riverside

Riverside youngsters go for gold

April 18 • There was plenty of medal winning musical talent on show at the recent Riverside Youth Band Solo Festival


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


wantage silver band

April 18 • Wantage Concert Brass have a Bb BASS vacancy - the perfect opportunity to join their band! The band compete in the FIRST SECTION and have a sensible schedule of engagements, concerts and contests throughout the year.


wantage silver band

April 18 • Wantage Concert Brass have a vacancy in their TROMBONE section - the perfect opportunity to join their band! The band compete in the FIRST SECTION and have a sensible schedule of engagements, concerts and contests throughout the year.


wantage silver band

April 18 • Wantage Band (championship section) are looking for a PERCUSSIONIST to join them from Sep 25. The band perform in concerts across the region and a number of contests each year. This is a brilliant opportunity to work with Musical Director Chris King.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd