25 September 2017

 Following the success of the 2016 competitions, S4C is delighted to announce Band Cymru 2018 and Band Ieuenctid Cymru 2018. Band Cymru is a competition for brass, wind and jazz bands and Band Ieuenctid Cymru is suitable for people under 18 years old. And luckily you still have an opportunity to apply for next year’s competition!

In 2016, the high standard of the Welsh bands in every genre was praised by the international panel of adjudicators and the television audience enjoyed the variety and entertainment value of this competition.

This will be a unique opportunity for television audiences to enjoy the very best in Welsh bands. The winner of Band Cymru will be awarded £10,000 and £1,000 will be given to the winner of the under 18 category.

Each band should have a minimum of 12 wind or brass instruments and a maximum of 5 members playing an instrument that isn't wind or brass. There is a maximum number of 35 members in any band throughout the competition.

Elen Rhys, S4C's Entertainment Content Commissioner says, "This is the third time for us to host Band Cymru and the second time for us to host Band Ieuenctid Cymru. Both competitions are going from strength to strength, and S4C is very pleased to be able to celebrate the sounds Wales’ brass, wind and jazz bands once again."

Following a series of auditions throughout Wales for Band Cymru 2018, 12 bands will be invited to appear at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre during the weekend of 17-18 February 2018. The 12 bands through to the semi-finals will receive a prize of £500.

The 12 bands will be split into four groups for four television programmes and there will be a winner at the end of each programme. Winning one of the competition rounds does not guarantee a place in the grand finale.

A panel of International judges will choose 4 bands from the weekend to participate in the grand finale and will receive an additional £500. The final will be held at Swansea University on 22 April 2018 and the winner Band Cymru 2018 will receive a further prize of £7,000.

There will be further prize awarded to the best presentation and the best soloist.

Following a series of auditions across Wales for Band Ieuenctid Cymru 2018, four bands will be invited to appear in the final at Swansea University 21 April 2018. Each band that reaches the final will receive £250.

The closing date for both competitions is 6 October 2017. Applications are welcomed from bands from Wales but former winners of Band Cymru will not be allowed entry in 2018.

To compete, please contact Rondo, 029 2022 3456, or email: bandcymru@rondomedia.co.uk

Competition rules can be seen on www.s4c.cymru/bandcymru and www.rondomedia.co.uk

ENDS