The sound of brass bands filled the air as the competition began at the 2025 National Eisteddfod in Wrecsam on Saturday
A steady stream of musicians was seen carrying their tubas, cornets, and trombones from the car parks towards the main pavilion before 09:00 to register.
Five bands from Buckley, Menai Bridge, Deiniolen near Caernarfon, Markham near Caerphilly, and Wrexham competed in the Section 2 and 3 competition. Open to bands with up to 25 members, they were tasked with presenting a varied programme lasting no more than 15 minutes.
After a lively competition, the adjudicator, Alan Bourne, awarded the first prize of £600 and the Ivor Jarvis Cup to the Royal Buckley Town Band. Deiniolen Silver Band came second, and Markham came third.
Experienced bandsman Meirion Jones from Deiniolen Band said Buckley deserved their victory, "They’ve come so close on other occasions – sometimes it was just one point in it,” he said.
Later, four more bands competed in the Section 4 competition. They too were tasked with performing at least three pieces within their 15-minute slot.
The adjudicator placed Llanrug Silver Band first, and they took home the Ivor Jarvis Challenge Cup and the £600 cash prize. Oakeley Silver Band from Blaenau Ffestiniog came second, and Porthaethwy Band came third.
On Sunday, three brass bands from Wrexham, Beaumaris, and Rhondda Cynon Taf will battle for the Section 1 crown and the Flintshire Cup.
