*
banner

European Countdown — 3 days to go

Just in case you thought Wales was just a country full of rugby players and male voice choirs – here are a few weird and wonderful (and perhaps true) facts about the home of the current European champions.

EBBA
 

1. There are no letter K, Q or Z in the Welsh language – and the letter Y is a vowel.

2. Boxing’s Queensberry Rules were drafted by a Welshman, Llanelli-born JG Chambers (1843–83).

3. The inventor of the modern cremation process was Dr William Price (1800-93) of Llantrisant. He was taken to court in 1884 for attempting to burn the corpse of his baby son, Iesu Grist (Jesus Christ) but was found not guilty.

4. The English are Wales’ largest ethnic minority community with 20.3 per cent of the country’s population having been born in England.

5. In 2003, Wales became the first country in the UK in which the majority of babies – 50.3 per cent – were born outside marriage.

6. Notable Americans who have been of Welsh descent include Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Abraham Lincoln and Calvin Coolidge.

Also blessed by Welshness were the great Jack Daniel (founder of the drink), J. P. Morgan (banker), architect Frank Lloyd Wright, recluse, Howard Hughes, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and actor Tom Cruise.

7. The longest corridor in Europe is to be found in Llandough Hospital near Cardiff.

8. The most famous Welsh British Prime Minister, Lloyd George was in fact born in Manchester.

It is now believed that the United States of America was in fact named after a Welshman4BR

9. It is now believed that the United States of America was in fact named after a Welshman. Italian explorer and cartographer Amerigo Vespucci is commonly believed to have been the source of the name, but this may not be true.

10. It is believed that Welsh carpenter William Frost from Saundersfoot in West Wales claimed in 1896 that he had been airborne in a craft he constructed himself, and that had his flight been authenticated. The was some seven years before the Wright brothers in the USA.

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    


wobplay

Support boosts new Wobplay tenure

August 6 • Nicki Tonge and Adam Goldsmith grateful for the continued support of global subscribers as World of Sound, World of Brass and wobplay look towards future.


NYBBWales

Orbital gets Welsh Youth launch

August 6 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales will include Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in their ambitious summer course concerts repertoire.


UnIbRASS

Entries open for UniBrass Composition Competition

August 6 • The 2027 UniBrass Foundation's Composition Competition is now open — with an Oxford feel theme.


Blackford

Orbital set for publishing take-off

August 5 • The acclaimed major work from composer Richard Blackford will be available for bands to purchase from 4th September.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd