Newtown is once again to play host to what is becoming a major marching brass band competition.
And it could host the largest single band performance in Wales with over 300 musicians taking part in one performance towards the end of the event.
Newtown Silver Band has confirmed 11 bands area already signed up for the event which forms part of the Newtown Carnival Weekend, with the band competition taking place the day after the carnival on Sunday, 12 June.
“With eleven band entered for this year’s contest, the streets of Newtown will be ringing to sound of marching brass bands,” said band chairman, David Evans.
The contest will start at 11am with the first band marching along High Street through the Town Hall gates to the park, where they will each play a hymn tune, a contest march and an entertainment piece.
“We have a final entry of eleven bands, which is very encouraging. These range from 1st section to non registered bands plus youth and training bands.
“There will be a trophy and prize money for first, second and third places overall, a soloist award with replica, together with Best Hymn Tune, Best March and Best Bass Section awards.”
The music adjudicator will be Mr Gary Davies from South Wales.
The trophy and prize for deportment will be decided by the deportment judge, Captain Shane O’Neill, Musical Director of the Royal Corps of Signals Band.
The competing bands are:
Beaumaris Brass
Beaumaris LSW Band
Deiniolen Youth Band
Holywell Band
Llanrug Band
Menai Bridge Band
Menai Bridge Training Band
Newtown Silver Band
Newtown Training Band
North Powys Youth Training Band
Shrewsbury Brass Band
During the collation of results at the conclusion of the contest, all competing bands will join together in the park as a massed band to play the march ‘Slaidburn.’
“This should be quite a spectacle and probably the largest band ever to be assembled in Wales. (about 300 in number) This is an event not to be missed,” added Mr Evans.
“Bring a chair and enjoy a feast of free entertainment. Refreshments will be available at a reasonable price.”
The Newtown March Contest Committee is indebted to the Carnival Committee and Newtown Town Council for their support, together with the generous support of our local sponsors - J.T. Hughes (Honda), Rees Astley Insurance, Mid Wales Housing, Grooms Garage, Control Techniques, Peter Watkin, G. Owen and Son, Phil Jones Builders, Russell George A.M.
